By Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB
Bro. Ephrem Santos, SDB made a short visit to Don Bosco Formation Center on November 21, 2015 to encounter the Aspirants of the Philippine South Province as well as to talk to the Novices. As the Secretary to the General Councillor for Social Communications, Fr. Filiberto Gonzales, SDB he just came from a series of meetings with the Publishers from the South Asia and East Asia – Oceania Region and the Social Communication Delegates both held in Chofu, Tokyo. Before going back to Rome, Bro. Ephrem took time to visit his kin and hold a short conference to the candidates to the salesian life.
In his encounter with the Aspirants, he shared that he was once a pioneering student of the Studentate formerly known as Don Bosco Missionary Seminary. He relayed to them the greetings of the Major Superiors particularly the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime who is very much concerned of young vocations since they are the future of the congregation.
He also pointed out three messages for reflection: First, he reminded them that we are all missionary. The Salesian Congregation is a missionary congregation. One has to be ready to be sent anywhere, everywhere. Therefore, one should not be complacent to simply remain in one’s comfort zone because one is also a missionary even in his own country. Second, he told them that they are chosen by God. They are chosen because they are loved. God has a wonderful plan for each one because when one is open to God’s plan, he can be used as an instrument to touch others’ lives. Finally, he challenged them to appreciate the discipline of their formative years. Today, more than ever, discipline is important especially in the context of new media and the digital technology. Discipline is something they have to acquire interiorly because in the future they will be on their own.
Bro. Ephrem also encountered the other sectors of Don Bosco Formation Center such as the staff of Don Bosco – Center for Lay Adult and Youth (DB-CLAY) and the Social Communication Office. It was a short but meaningful visit.
