Cebu - Olango Island, 5 August 2022 -- Olango Island has no SDB or FMA community or education institution as yet, but the Salesian Family (FIS province, Philippines South - Cebu) is united in joint mission to this 'Salesian missionary outreach'. No fewer than 6 SF groups (SDB, FMA, ASC, ADMA, Damas Salesians and VDB) were involved in the recent July 30 'Outreach Program' in Olango Island. FIS Salesian Family focus on this island is due to the already established ADMA group and the presence of many needy families and victims of natural calamities (like recent typhoon Odette). There is a need for basics like food supply, clothing as well as shelter.

       The whole 'Outreach program comprised two boat trips - first on July 29 with two vehicles (sacks of rice and other goods via Port of Cordova) by cargo boat (total of 2 hrs crossing the sea) and on July 30 crossing by passenger ferry (one hour trip). About 60 Salesian family members were involved in this operation (2 SDB, 1 FMA, 32 Salesian Cooperators from Cebu-Pasil, Liloan, Lourdes and from Minglanilla; 24 ADMA from Olango and one VDB). Although the Damas Salesianas were not on board, they contributed with 10 sacks of rise).

       This 'Outreach program' built a lot of synergy among different SF groups, from the stage of planning, facilitated by Messenger and video calls. After this mission you can watch the 10 minute video produced by the ASC (Salesian Cooperators) on FB and YouTube.

       Main goals of this Outreach program is growth in Synergy - Synodality - Collaboration among the various Salesian Family groups, enhance the Family spirit and also Solidarity with the Olango island people, delivering them some necessary goods as victims of natural calamities. This first major joint operation of the Salesian Family is inspired by the Strenna of the Rector Major. Among the immediate fruits of this Mission are 8 young people who were identified in Olango island for the Scholarship program and as candidates for Don Bosco Home in Liloan (Cebu).

       The Salesian Family is determined to continue with this Outreach Program next September, this time involving also Don Bosco and FMA Past Pupils.

       NB: This joint Salesian Family 'apostolic outreach' is a fruit of the recent SDB Provincial Chapter resolution (July 2022) about Salesian Family strategic planning. The SEPP for the whole FIS Salesian Family will be drafted on August 27-28, 2022 with the joint SF team collaboration.

       VIVA DON BOSCO!

       VIVA MARIA AUSILIATRICE!

• Resource: Facebook Video of FIS-SF Mission - ASC production, 2022, August
• Related news article: AustraLasia 5839 (III): ADMA growth around the EAO region (2022)

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