By John Paolo B Romero, SDB

       Mandaluyong City, The Philippines, 28 October 2021 – The Practical Trainees of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines North Province (SDB-FIN) have launched an Online Apostolate coined as KaBrads (“Ka” signifies ‘being with’ or ‘togetherness’ while “Brads” is a shortened term for ‘brother’) via FB Live.

       What is KaBrads?

       KaBrads is an online apostolate initiated by the Practical Trainees of the SDB-FIN province to reach out to as many young people as possible through the social media. This apostolate is present in Facebook (Page), Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube. There are different programs where the practical trainees can share their talents and skills, at the same time, offer formation to the young people.

       Don Bosco said, "Love what the young people love, and they will love what you love." This is the guiding principle of KaBrads – to be actively present where the young people are and to love what they love - social media, memes, jokes, gaming, etc. Hoping that we will be able to somehow meet them halfway and bring Christ to them through these means.

       The focus of the KaBrads is the human and Christian formation of the young people. That is the reason why our contents are on gaming and how to use it responsibly, mental health, politics, music, dance, etc.

       Also, this apostolate is not only for us to "help" but also for us to be helped. This is part of our formation and training to be proactively present in the "new playground" of the young people.

       Launching of KaBrads

       Br. Alfons and Br Justin (DB Mandaluyong), Br. Jerick (DB Prenovitiate Canlubang), Br Paulo (DB Makati), Br. Dandrew (DB Tarlac) and Br. Paolo (DB Naga) gathered in Don Bosco Mandaluyong for the planning, launching and bonding. Br. Mark (DB Legaspi) and Br. Romnick (DB Canlubang) were not able to come due to some conflicts of schedules, but nonetheless, they joined the launching via Zoom.

       In the launching, the brothers were introduced through an icebreaker, the programs and contents were also introduced, there were prizes and raffles, Bosconians and young people also shared their talents by submitting their dance or song videos. Fr. Gerry Martin, SDB, the provincial superior of the FIN Province gave the goodnight talk and message for the young people and for the brothers.

       The live viewers peaked at 200+, with almost 2,000 comments and 300+ shares. The program, though following a script, went spontaneous, light and energetic, this was obvious with the engagement that the young people made through the comment section of the livestream.

       The KaBrads will be live every Friday, at 7:30 PM for the BradCast: The KaBrads Podcast and for #GameNight. There will also be daily posting of wholesome jokes and memes, of music (#MusiKOYANG) and other formative posts. One of the aim of this apostolate is to fill the social media with positivity and good vibes.

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