By Pre-novice Vince Joseph Pedrola

       DBFC-Lawaan, Cebu, Philippines, 3 February 2023 -- A good number of enriching and formative activities were launched by DBFC to usher in the feast of our father and founder – St. John Bosco.

       The novena masses at the Shrine of St. John Bosco the Dreamer were sponsored by the different religious orders and by the Association of Salesian Cooperators (A.S.C.). This was supplemented by the Sermonettes and the Nosegay during the days of the novena that were spearheaded by the Pre-novices. On the 24th of January in which the feast of our patron St. Francis de Sales, the Solemn Vespers was held at the St. Francis de Sales Chapel of the Sacred Heart Novitiate and then followed by a special rosary.

       The spiritual and physical preparations intensified during the triduum. On 28 January, Don Bosco Youth Center – Lawaan organized a youth vigil that was participated in by many young people who gathered from different schools, youth organizations, and youth centers. Three talks from renowned speakers served as the highlight of the event and then followed by a Grand Eucharistic Adoration, and then praise and worship.

       The following day, an Amazing Race was organized by the Pre-novices and the DBYC leaders for the Aspirants and the members of the youth center. Following the theme from the Rector's Strenna for 2023, of becoming yeast for today’s human family, the participants trod on the different stations around Talisay City that challenged them to serve in the community while at the same time enjoying the family spirit and camaraderie. Some of the challenges included cleaning the tables in a food court of a supermarket, entertaining the elderly in one of the homes for the aged, helping the fruit vendors sell their products, and helping a religious community by cleaning their grounds.

       On the last day of the novena, an Academy was staged at the DBFC Pilgrim Hall under the helm of Cl. Vanjo Gila, SDB. The play was entitled “Giya” (Guide). It was a fictional story that bore the moral of faith, conversion, and mission to become yeasts in today’s human family through simple acts of charity. A good number of guests graced the event; among them, the Salesians from Don Bosco Provincial House, and many religious sisters from the neighboring congregations. The event was concluded with a traditional good night talk that was given by Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB, the Provincial Superior of the FIS.

       The feast day celebration started with a solemn procession at 4:30 in the morning. It was attended by the Salesians, Aspirants, Prenovices, Salesian Cooperators, BEARERs (students of AB ReEd and PasCom), different religious communities, members and leaders of the youth center, and by the lay faithful. The fiesta mass then followed at 6 am and was presided at by the Provincial and concelebrated by many Salesians. After the fiesta mass, a sumptuous breakfast was then offered to the members of the Salesian family. The feast day served also as the community day of DBFC. The Aspirants and Pre-novices spent the morning for felicitations as they went to the formators and expressed their heartfelt gratitude through speeches, songs, and dances.

       The entire celebration concluded with a dinner program at the Pilgrim Hall where the Salesian family of DBFC – Lawaan once again gathered. The benefactors were also invited and were given due recognition for their generous support for the formation center. Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB – Rector of DBFC – gave the opening remarks. Songs and dance items were presented by the Aspirants, DBYC leaders and members, and the Pre-novices. The night was concluded with a good night talk from Fr. Provincial. Everyone shared good food and narrated inspiring stories to each other as they lived the Salesian family spirit of St. John Bosco.

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