An exposure visit to the Don Bosco Press in Makati

By Pren. Paulo Miguel Calderon

Makati City, The Philippines, 22 March 2018 -- The Prenovices of the FIN Province had an exposure visit to the Don Bosco Press, Inc. (DBPI), Word & Life Publications, and Social Communications Department of the Province which were unique works and presences in our region. This is part of their semester's Salesianity course with Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB.

The day started with a tour in the DBPI Press and Post-press area which was briefed by Fr. Ike Veloso, SDB, the in-charge. They were toured around the workshop by Sir Jun, an alumnus of Don Bosco Technical College, and an employee in the press. The prenovices were shown how the machineries and the process of printing works: from the production of the aluminum plated to the finished printed products. It is also in this area where Fr. Ike explained to the prenovices the importance of this work to the Salesian Family and charism, quoting the late Rector Major, Don Vigano, “Do not forget that we are sons of a Printer.” Needless to say that Don Bosco is the patron of printers and editors.

After the tour in the press area, the Prenovices were met by Fr. Bernard P. Nolasco, SDB, the Rector of the Provincial House Community were Word & Life Publications and DBPI belongs. He is also the Social Communications Delegate of the Province and the EAO Social Communications Coordinator. He toured the Prenovices in the Word & Life Publications Office where they had an opportune moment to meet the founder of Word & life Publications, Fr. Salvatore Putzu, SDB. Afterwards, Fr. Bernard gave them a conference. He stressed significance of the work in Social Communications from every individual confrere up to the whole Salesian Family. Also, Fr. Bernard gave the spotlight to the most perfect model for communication, the Lord Jesus Christ, who inspired St. Francis de Sales and St. John Bosco. Notably, the work of the Social Communications is primarily a ministry.

After lunch, the Prenovices were met by Fr. Rene Lagaya, SDB, the Editor-in-Chief of DBPI. Fr. Rene explained the process of bookmaking: from the legal and professional aspect to the actual production of the books. He then showed them the offices of DBPI. The day tour ended with giving of freebies and gifts from the three departments. The prenovices were encouraged by the Salesian to be interested in writing books.

As aspiring Salesians, the Prenovices were made aware of the variety and complexity of works made by the Salesians of Don Bosco. But no matter how varied and complex, these works aim only at one thing, the salvation of the souls, especially of the young.

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