Cebu, the Philippines, 25 November 2016 -- The memorial day of Mamma Margaret was also the first day of the Cebu (Lawaan Don Bosco Retreat House) formation session for the Salesian Family Delegates from the 4 provinces - Philippines South (FIS), Philippines North (FIN), Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS) and Timor Leste-Indonesia (ITM).
As the previous two sessions in Korea and Vietnam, also this 3 days event is animated by the Secretariat for the Salesian Family (Delegate Fr. Eusebio Munoz) and his team (Fr. Casti, Fr. Cameroni and Fr. Playa). Among the 40 delegates are present also two provincials (FIN and FIS), 25 SDB, 4 FMA, 4 Salesian Cooperators, one Don Bosco Past Pupil and one VDB member. The participants are privileged to share also with the ASC World Coordinator Mrs. Noemi Bertola and former ASC World Councilor for the EAO (1993-2001) Mr. Wichai Srisura from Thailand.
The program of the first day was held until 4 PM in the Retreat House and the rest of the afternoon and evening in Don Bosco Pasil. All participants were eager to know deeper the dynamics of the SF according the 'Charter of Charismatic Idenity' (2012) and know deeper the present situation of the Salesian Cooperators Association, ADMA as well of the Don Bosco Past Pupils. The participatory style followed by many questions and clarification is well appreciated by all. Also the presence of 15 SDB novices coming from 6 provinces (CIN, FIN, FIS, GIA, THA) from nearby Sacred Heart novitiate gives a special touch to this third session of the Formation days.
After dinner with the Don Bosco Pasil community the World Coordinator of the Salesians Cooperators shared her good night talk about Mamma Margaret and her dream about quality growth about the Association in order to become a true leaven within the Church and Society for the benefit of the poor young people!
Before return to the Retreat House the DB Pasil Oratory youth and children presented some traditional and modern dances and songs (including the famous Sinulog with Santo Nino) - the best of their culture!
Mamma Margaret, pray for us!
