By Bro. Bosco Ekka, SDB

Parañaque, The Philippines, 8 June 2016 -- The solemn feast of Blessed Stephen Sandor, a Salesian brother and martyr for the faith, was celebrated on June 8, 2016 in the Salesian Brothers’ Formation House the Blessed Stephen Sandor community, Parañaque City, The Philippines. He admirably resembled Don Bosco the founder of the Salesian Society in his Love for souls, especially those of young people.

The community festivity began by thanking God for the gift of Blessed Stephen Sandor to the Salesian congregation especially with the Laud which was meaningfully well animated with integration of Mediation.

In the afternoon the occasion made more lively with friendly a football match which was organized by the Salesian brothers with the clerics of the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco, Paranaque. The match began with a prayer by Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB, the vice-rector and catechist of the Blessed Stephen Sandor Community.

While the match was ongoing, the seminary staff and other spectators of the different communities were served snacks and cool drinks. The match was organised in view of enriching the spirituality of the playground which was primarily promoted by Don Bosco in his oratory.

At 6pm, the Holy Mass was celebrated, presided by Fr. Arnold Sanico, SDB, the rector of the Blessed Stephen Sandor Community with nearly 15 concelebrant priests. The celebration was made more graceful and magnificent by the presence the neighbouring Salesian communities. In the homily of the Holy Mass the biography of the Blessed Stephen Sandor was highlighted.

In honour of Bl. Stephen Sandor, after the Holy Eucharist a grand ceremonial dinner was served for all those who were present. There were over one hundred Salesians who joined the celebration. Subsequent to the meal a quiz program was organised for all, based on the life of Blessed Stephen Sandor to learn more about his life and to make him known to as many people as possible.

Toward the closing stages of banquet a multicultural program was performed by the Salesian brothers and fathers of the Bl. Stephen Sandor community, where the culture of India, Indonesia, Vietnam and The Philippines were displayed by the Salesian brothers belonging to their respective country.

Overall, the community had a wonderful and a meaningful celebration of the feast day which was concluded with devotion to Mother Mary through the praying of the rosary as a community.

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