By Asp. Paulo Calderon and Cl. Jj Aguila, SDB
Canlubang, the Philippines, 5 November 2016 -- The Salesian Family of the Philippine North Province offered a Requiem Mass for the deceased members of the Salesian Family especially for the Salesian Priests and Brothers who worked in the province.
The Eucharistic Celebration started at 9:00 am at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. It was presided by Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, the provincial superior and concelebrated by numerous Salesian priests from the province. Fr. Rolo Alcasid, SDB, one of the elder confreres of the province gave the homily.Fr. Rolo shared biographical snippets and anecdotes of those who are, for the younger confreres and aspirants, are mere names in the necrology. Fr. Rolo emphasized how they have shown their love for confreres and their love for religious vocation—for the mission, for the young. He ended his homily with an exhortation, “if they were able to do it, we also can.”
Immediately after the mass, the confreres and the members of the Salesian Family who were present proceeded to the Salesian Cemetery right at the back of the Shrine. They prayed the rosary and, afterwards, Fr. Paul Bicomong lead the blessing of the tombs.
The postnovices animated the mass as servers while the aspirants and prenovices took care of the music and choir.
SnDB Clerics undergo Workshop on Intercultural Dynamics
Parañaque City, the Philippines, 3 November 2016 -- First to Third Year clerics of Seminaryo ng Don Bosco explored the dynamics of intercultural relationships in a workshop which Br. Joe Ferrer, SDB facilitated.
The whole day workshop began with a session on personal awareness, revelation and communication. The brothers made their own coat of arms which allowed them to be aware of their qualities and communicate them to others. Br. Joe emphasized the need for one to know oneself and the importance of being with and communicating personally and clearly with others. They were given opportunities to share their coat of arms and its meaning with their small groups.
The afternoon session focused on the ability of the group to work together. Through a game, the brothers learned the value of winning together through active listening, cooperation and trust. Br. Joe encouraged the brothers to practice the values they relearned and realized so that the community may grow as one in diversity.
