By Fr Randy A. Figuracion, SDB

Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines, May 6, Feast of Saint Dominic Savio - The one-year journey of preparation finally bore fruit as twelve new salesians made their first religious profession and solemn investiture on May 6, 2015 at the Don Bosco Formation Center Chapel, Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu - Philippines. Their self-offering through religious profession was received by Fr. Godofredo T. Atienza, SDB the newly installed Provincial Superior of the Philippine South Province (FIS) while witnessed by Fr. Lanfranco Fedrigotti, SDB the Provincial Superior of the China Province and Fr. Felino Gueco Jr., SDB Provincial Secretary of the Philippine North Province (FIN). 

Among the twelve, eleven made the profession as clerics and only one professed as a salesian lay brother. The joyful gathering brought together Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, the parents, relatives and young people from the different parts of the Philippines, Hong Kong and Pakistan.

They call themselves “Io con voi” novices (I am with you). It echoes the assurance of Jesus to his disciples while sending them to go out into the world. At the same time, it is also their assurance to the youth for whom they will be sent of their desire to journey with them becoming a “Don Bosco” in their midst. They have chosen for their theme John 15:16 “It was I who chose you and sent you to bear much fruit.” These are the names of the new-born salesians:

• Cl. Barnad Alfred, SDB (FIS - Pakistan)
• Cl. Jhon Robert T. Andales, SDB (FIS)
• Cl. Adrian B. Balgos, SDB (FIN)
• Cl. Mac Darell D. Barrios, SDB (FIN)
• Cl. Joel T. Granada, SDB (FIN)
• Cl. Leo Leung Chungpong, SDB (CIN)
• Cl. Enrico B. Mercado, SDB (FIN)
• Cl. Jules Cesar A. Sotto, SDB (FIS)
• Cl. Jose Felimar B. Valenzuela, SDB (FIN)
• Bro. Kerwin P. Valeroso, SDB (FIN)
• Cl. Antonio B. Velarde, SDB (FIS)
• Cl. Julius M. Ysulan, SDB (FIS)