5th National Salesian Family Encounter, the Philippines

By Ms. Junifer Maliglig, ADMA

Victorias, the Philippines -- Last October 20, 2018, around 200 Salesian Family members from the Philippines North and South Provinces joined the 5th National Salesian Family Encounter which was held in Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias, Negros Occidental. For this year, the chosen theme was "Community of Communities Together with the Youth". Fr. Joriz F. Calsa, SDB, FIS Head of the Commission on Youth Ministry and FIS Vocation Promotion Director was the guest speaker.

After the registration in the morning, the Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, Provincial Superior-FIS. The Mass was concelebrated by Salesian priests from FIN and FIS province.

Also in the morning, a short testimony regarding the activities, meetings and gatherings was shared by one of the members of the Volunteers of Don Bosco. It was followed by the presentation about the Salesian Family in North Province by Fr. Bobby Mac Roxas, SDB, the Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family-FIN.

In the afternoon, the participants were divided into five (5) groups for the outreach activities either by (1) visiting the sick, (2) visiting families of the sacadas working in Victorias Milling Company, (3) encounter with the children in conflict with law at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, (4) Visiting the aged group, and (5) catechism with the youth group in Mary Help of Christians Church. After the vespers, some of the participants shared their realization and memorable experiences from the outreach activities.

Everyone enjoyed the barrio fiesta themed dinner and cultural program where the different groups of the Salesian Family either rendered a song number or a dance number. It was made special because of the hilarious presence of Fr. Andy Satura, SDB who emceed the program. The traditional Good Night Talk to the participants was given by Fr. Julius Sanchez, SDB the former FIS Provincial Superior.

The Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members, VDB, SDB and FMA, Damas Salesianas and alumni were all thankful for the experience and presence of a family in the Salesian Family. The encounter has ended but the participants are challenged to be committed in communion with the communities especially with the young. They all look forward for the next Salesian Family Encounter.

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