(A double issue intended to catch up on some items received during the past week of Retreat. Apologies for those who have had to await publication of their news)
North Philippines: Symposium on lay and religious missionary formation
Manila: 18 November 2007 -- On November 10, a day before the commemoration of the first Salesian expedition to Patagonia led by the then Fr John Cagliero (November 11, 1875), the Salesian Mission Animation (SMA) of the Philippines North Province held its 3rd missionary symposium with the theme: Preparing a missionary volunteer. As such, 132 years after Don Bosco's dream came true with the first foray into new territories, the Salesian Missionary Animation Ministry, under Fr Salvador Pablo SDB, renewed the call to invite religious and lay volunteers to join in instilling an awareness of mission and the volunteer movement in this regard.
The SMA office has been contributing to missionary awareness through the monthly circular, Auxiliaries of the Mission, an e-newsletter. It has also generated text messages in a 'text brigade' sent weekly to friends, those who pray for the missions, Salesians, as a show of support and appreciation to Salesian and volunteer missionaries in the field.
The missionary symposium was a one day event held at Roozen Hall, Makati (St John Bosco Parish). The event was opened by Fr Danny Torres, FIN Vice Provincial, with a keynote address by Sr Mary Evelyn from the Society of St Paul. She spoke of the need for innate power, driving power and staying power, for missionaries. Fr Gary Carbon, a Filipino missionary in Taiwan, spoke of the missionary experience in that context and concluded with a presentation on Bl. Versiglia and Caravario, Salesian protomartyrs.
The symposium also saw the launching of an experimental Salesian Formation Kit Handbook intended to cater for preparation of both volunteer and Salesian Religious as missionaries. The kit and handbook will be made available for Mission clubs in schools and for older young people already in the work force, perhaps with professional qualifications who are entertaining the idea of mission at home or abroad.
Southern Philippines Salesian Cooperator Leadership
Cebu: 18 November 2007 -- The Salesian Cooperators of the
The encounter with Philip Yu left a lasting impression among our Cooperators as he cited his experiences and shared his insights and experiences of growth in the association.
Taking advantage of his visit, a provincial congress meeting was called the following day. This was highlighted by the sharing of the experience of the World Congress in
The visitation is another milestone in the journey of the Salesian Cooperators of the FIS province, a different experience that renewed our heart to keep the fire and spirit of Don Bosco burning and alive.
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