Take the logic of blessing and peace, not the war!
Makati City, the Philippines, 8 July 2017 -- Members of the Salesian Family of the Philippines North Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco came together in Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati for the annual formation day.
The gathering fittingly began with the celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, FIN Provincial Superior. The venue was in full capacity. Fr. Roberto Ma. ‘Bobby’ Roxas, SDB, FIN Delegate for the Salesian Family noted the overwhelming attendance in color-coded clothes from the various districts of the province.
Fr. Stephen Placente, SDB gave the formation talk. Through stories—in the scriptures, especially that of Abraham; events of daily life; personal anecdotes—Fr. Stephen invited the Salesian Family to be a blessing for others. Concretely he proposed that the journey of the Salesian Family begins with a single step inward. He introduced to the participants the power of the word. Developed the idea of blessing and curse. Finally, Fr. Stephen oriented them to take the logic of blessing and peace when considering the ‘da mihi animas coetera tolle’ as Don Bosco takes it from St. Francis of Sales not the logic of war where it is actually situated in the Old Testament. An open forum followed. The participants shared their insights and personal experiences on the topic. There was a felt resolve to live as blessings for others.
Lunch followed where the members of every districts got-to-know each other through fun activities and sharing food. It was indeed a fruitful and blessing-filled day for the FIN Salesian Family.
