By Fr. Ding Cortez, SDB

Makati City, the Philippines, 26 November 2016 -- Salesians hold the first Migrant Youth Festival with the theme, "Serving the New Garellis Today" in Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati.

The day-long event began with the Holy Mass. 115 participants with their Salesian In-charge and Lay Mission Partners from Don Bosco Legazpi, Don Bosco Makati AMPON and AMPAN,Don Bosco PUGAD, Don Bosco Mandaluyong, Don Bosco San Jose and Don Bosco Tondo gathered around the altar of St. John Bosco Parish, Makati. They came together to celebrate in gratitude for the wondrous and great things the Lord has given them. They are very grateful to Him for the opportunity to study and to be loved in the centers of this great saint of the youth.

FIN Vice Provincial, Rev. Fr. Ditto Gueco, SDB, celebrated the Holy Mass together with the other Salesians who accompanied their charges (Fr. Clarence Panganiban, SDB-San Jose, Fr. Ellis Santos, SDB and Bro. Henry Enriquez, SDB-Legazpi) and Fr. Joebeth Vivo, SDB (CYM Delegate) and Fr. Ding Cortez, SDB (Migrant Youth Apostolate Head). After the mass, all went to the Joy Center of DBTI Makati were they enjoyed a cultural show where the delegates presented their homegrown talents. The show featured the video message of Fr. Paul Bicomong, SDB (FIN Provincial) to the migrant youth and their heads.

In the afternoon, the migrant youth experienced an "Extra Amazing Fear Factor Challenge" organized by the youth leaders of St. John Bosco Parish. Though younger than the participants, the facilitators were able to make the migrant youth reflect on their families, their future, and their relationship with God. The whole afternoon was spent building friendships, sharing experiences, and enjoying each other's company. The event was capped-off with the awarding of the certificate of participation, a dance animation, and the prayer of Entrustment to our Blessed Lady, Mother of the Migrant Youth Apostolate. Participants and organizers alike took the road home full of gratitude for the grace of being with Don Bosco, full of gladness for new friendships formed, and full of hope for the future ahead of them. Viva Don Bosco!

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