The new statues of the Novitiate chapel, Talisay City

By Nov. Paulo Miguel Calderon

Cebu, The Philippines, 24 January 2019 -- On the feast of St. Francis of Sales, Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB, who was in Cebu to give a seminar to the novices and some members of the Salesian family, blessed the beautiful images of Jesus Crucified, Mary, Help of Christians and of St. Francis of Sales that would adorn the novitiate Chapel.

Joining the celebration were the Don Bosco Formation Center Community, the Salesians, representatives from the lay mission partners, extern students and benefactors.

Fr. Francis Gustilo preached a short homily about St. Francis of Sales, emphasizing on one point: God’s unconditional love as expressed through the saint. He challenged the attendees to imitate St. Francis of Sales’ gentleness, kindness and love, especially to the young people.

St. Francis of Sales is the titular patron of the whole Salesian Family. Fr. Francis also reiterated the gratitude and blessing of being called “Salesians.” Thd kissing of the relic of St. Francis of Sales ended the religious ceremony. Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, the EAO Regional Councilor will preside the blessing of the Chapel on the 31st of January 2019, the feast day of St. John Bosco.

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