Three day animation visit of FIS province

By Regional Councillor EAO

Cebu, the Philippines, 21 November 2018 -- Two months before the 2019 January-April extraordinary visitation of Philippines South - Pakistan province the Regional Councillor spent three days on an intense animation visit to Cebu, from 19-21 November.

In Lawaan's 'Don Bosco Formation Centre' (Motto: Lord, Send Me; Rector: Fr Mel Racelis) Fr Vaclav spent almost one full day with the aspirants and prenovices (most of them absent due to their immersion in the apostolic communities) and with the 11 novices (Novicemaster Fr Philip Lazatin). A lively dialogue with many questions included the GC28 question: 'What kind of Salesians for the Young people of Visayas and Mindanao?'

The 'Valdocco' of Cebu, Liloan Don Bosco Home with a variety of services for less privileged young people, including the Magone Project (Youth in conflict with the law), Vocation training centre, Academic school (joint venture with the local public school), was the only apostolic setting visited (Rector Fr Ronel Vilbar). Eucharist with the EPC and SDB community-animated assembly.

Two days were dedicated to the provincial council meeting and rectors meeting, including an initial sharing on the province's charismatic dynamics (challenges, priorities and emerging points). FIS province has advanced in the 'Code of conduct' for SDBs in matters of religious discipline, strengthening its Youth Ministry culture and formation of lay mission partners and still receives invitations for possible new presences such as Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao). Last but not the least, our Regional Councillor also had a good opportunity to visit and encourage two sick confreres in DBTC Cebu and one on chemotherapy being cared for in his family.

The journey of the Regional Councillor with each of the 12 EAO provinces has included an annual animation visit, aimed at follow-up to the main points of the Rector Major's Road Map, key matters in Formation and Youth Ministry, as well active listening and dialogue in the provincial council and rector's meetings.

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