Canlubang - Philippines, 18 November 2022 -- Don Bosco was a man of work. He would do everything for his boys in the oratory, just to teach them how to become holy. St. Dominic Savio is strong evidence of this and other Salesian Blesseds. I am Asp. Euree Pike, currently a 3rd-year aspirant in Don Bosco Aspirantate and Prenovitiate Formation House in Canlubang, Laguna, and I would like to share with you what attracts me to Don Bosco.
When I was a young Oratorian in San Ildefonso Parish - Makati City, I’m confused about what was written on a big banner in the oratory. It says: “Do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well.” What does it mean? Until I met a Salesian Priest (Fr. Antonio Molavin) who explained to us (oratorians) everything in a youthful manner. Since then, my hobby is to do manual work especially for the church. Cleaning, setting up and preparing for the liturgical celebrations to the point that I am lacking one thing, that is一prayers.
Then I discovered another quote from Don Bosco: Bread, Work and Heaven. It seems like Don Bosco is telling me, do not forget to eat, to do your duties and most importantly, to pray! I found a partial common denominator between Don Bosco and me, and that is work. I almost forgot how to pray. We often think that working and volunteering in His Church is enough evidence to secure our souls in heaven. Don Bosco does his duties extraordinarily well because of prayers. He never forgot to pray. This is the treasure that I am keeping and the only reason why I got attracted to Don Bosco and especially to the Salesian Life.
