austraLasia #3269
Third Salesian Family
Encounter-Philippines
CEBU
(PHILIPPINES) 17 August, 2013- Members of the
Salesian Family from the Philippines North and South Provinces
came together for the 3rd Salesian Family Encounter of Don
Bosco Philippines held in the Don Bosco Retreat House -Lawaan,
Talisay City, Cebu. According to Fr. Eugene Maglasang, the FIS
coordinator for the Salesian Family, this bi-annual gathering
is a response to the challenge of strengthening the spirit of
St John Bosco that binds us together in working for the good
of souls.
Theme for this year is ‘United in Faith through the Gospel of
Joy’ inspired by Pope Benedict’s Year of Faith and the Rector
Major’s strenna on the ‘Gospel of Joy.’ It is also envisioned
that all the members visibly manifest our unity as one
Salesian Family rooted in the Christian faith, a faith lived
daily as the gospel of joy. The resource speakers were Fr.
Joriz Calsa and Fr. Adriano Satura. About 200 participants
were present, and another 100 Salesians, seminarians and
visitors joined the group for the closing Mass and agape.
The event was highlighted by Declaration of Unity and Action
of the Members of the Salesian Family in the Philippines based
on the reflections and sharings on the apostolic spirituality
in our life of communion in the mission of Don Bosco and
committed to spreading values that comes from authentic
Christian witnessing.
Delegates of the 3rd Salesian Family Encounter of Don Bosco
Philippines also witnessed the public promise of a diocesan
priest, Rev. Fr. Dennis Boltron, as a Salesian Cooperator. He
is currently parish priest of the new Saint John the Baptist
Parish in Barili, Archdiocese of Cebu.
The following day, participants from the north took the
opportunity to make a pilgrim tour of the sacred places in
Cebu, before returning to Manila.