Interview with Fr Ronel Vilbar - SDB Delegate to the Salesian Cooperators

By Our Own Correspondent

Cebu, the Philippines, 2 February 2019 -- What makes you happy as the Salesian Cooperators’ Delegate?

As a delegate of the Salesian Cooperators of the house I feel honored to journey with them as they continue to respond to their vocation. It is a great joy and honour to be able to share my love for Don Bosco and the Salesian charism. Their sharing on their practice of the spirit of Don Bosco in their families and work always touches me deeply. Don Bosco’s spirit really works!

What makes (helps) your Salesian Cooperators grow most in their vocation?

We have done our best to be regular with our monthly recollection. There were some months we missed it for one reason or another. The cooperators share openly and I do my best to listen to them. They’re very generous and are so willing to serve our young people – especially our boys in the Boys Home (Liloan-Cebu) – even serving their food. These are the ordinary ways they grow in their love for their vocation.

What are the major challenges in the vocation growth of the Salesian Cooperators?

Since a good number of them have their families to attend to and their work, at times some could not come for the monthly recollection. Not all are able to join provincial activities for these same reasons. The attitudes [hot temper, shouting, even veiled insults] of some Salesians turn them off. But they try to stretch their patience despite the hurts and continue to serve.

How do you prepare yourself as formator? What more do you need for your task?

I pray, I continue to update on Don Bosco, on the magisterium of the Rector Major and the developments of the Congregation – reading and studying. Multi-tasking spreads me thin.

What exchange among the EAO Salesian Cooperator provinces do you dream about?

The exchange of best practices and resources.

What do you expect from the 2019 EAO Formators Workshop in Cambodia?

I hope a Formators’ Formation Seminar can be an output.

How do you put into practice the four pillars of formation: Know – Know how to do? – Know how to be? – Know how to live in communion?

In all my sharing/input with the Salesian Cooperators these four pillars are always present. Questions for Reflection at the end of a sharing/input are very helpful for the cooperators to deepen on the pillars.

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