Salesian Family Fellowship Day 2018
By Cl. April Jerome Quinto, SDB
Calamba City, the Philippines, 10 February 2018 -- A festive atmosphere, a celebration of colors, talents, and most of all, family of Don Bosco. The Salesian Family Fellowship Day this year was hosted by the Salesian Sisters (FMA) in the Mary Help of Christians College—Canlubang.
The members of the Salesian Family coming from the different parts of Luzon, as far north as Tarlac, were warmly welcomed in the venue by Our Lady Help of Christians through a big backdrop on stage and the smiles and cordial greeting of the Sisters and their formands—sporting their bright yellow shirts. One would not be in wont in remembering the remark of Don Bosco when he visited one house of the sisters, ‘Mary walks among you here.”
No less than the animator of the Salesian Family in the Philippines North Province, the Provincial Superior, Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong SDB began the day-long event with the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. “I would like to begin by say to everyone of you, ‘We are Family!’”, was the greeting of Fr Paul at the fore of his homily alluding to the last year’s strenna. It immediately endeared the members of the Salesian Family who came in color-coded shirt, each representing their districts.
Fr. Paul, presented a Salesian reading of the Gospel (Mark 8:1-10). He remarks that “Our Lord continues to multiply the loaves and the fish for us.” The Salesian family, at the care of St. John Bosco and under the mantle of Our Lady, is a testimony to the love of God. “He is indeed love personified through his compassion and care. In a similar manner, Don Bosco is also love personified. his love for the young with a special predilection to the poorer youth, is a reflection of Our Lord’s compassion and care.”
The program was jumpstarted with a dance number from the aspirants, postulants and novices of the FMA. The cooperators of the south district, warmed-up the participants for the games with an aerobic Zumba session. Fun games followed that fostered a family atmosphere. A celebration won’t be complete without food. The event was capped off with a pot-luck lunch with three festive lechon and sorbetes (ice cream) present.
From the stage, the beautiful image of Our Lady smiled at us all throughout the event. It is without a doubt that together, for the poor youth, we make Our Lady happy!
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