By Bro. Juvelan Paul Samia, SDB / photo by Isidore Hong

Parañaque, Philippines – The confreres from FIN gathered at Parañaque last June 12, 2015 for the Province Quarterly Recollection that forms part of the highlighted activities for FIN celebrations of Don Bosco’s Bicentenary of Birth.

It was an auspicious time for the Salesians of the Province to gather since June 12 is the Philippine Independence Day (Public Holiday) and the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The theme for reflection is on Year of the Poor (2015 was declared Year of the Poor by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines), particularly on the Salesian works for the poor and marginalized youth of the country.

The Quarterly Recollection began in the morning with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians with Rev. Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, FIN Provincial, as main celebrant.

In his homily, Fr. Paul reminded the confreres about the variety of our Salesian works in the Philippines that directly benefit the poor and marginalized youth and the need to continuously reflect on their significance to the greater society. He also shared some insights on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which he says, is a “very Salesian Feast.” He said that the Salesians are able to devote themselves to the poor because they have a heart like the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

After the Holy Mass, the confreres proceeded to the Auxilium Hall at the Don Bosco Center of Studies for the conference.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, His Excellency, Broderick Pabillo shared his thoughts on the “Expectations of the Church of the Poor in the Philippines from Consecrated Salesians.”

In the afternoon, the confreres gathered as local communities for group sharing and deeper reflection on the morning conference.

The confreres gathered again at the Auxilium Hall for a closing prayer to conclude the Quarterly Recollection. Fr. Paul also took the opportunity to announce to the Province the newly received obediences of two FIN confreres bound for the Missions: Fr. Noel Sumagui will go to Sri Lanka and Br. Rodil Lladones to the Middle East.