3811_VDB and CDB Assistants historical meeting in EAO

By Bro. Jomar Castillo, SDB

Tagaytay, Philippines, November 21 - For the first time in almost 100 years history of the VDB Secular Institute almost all of the SDB Ecclesiastical Assistants (=EA) of Asia and 7 VDB senior members gather for 3 days (Nov 19-21) formation session.

The newly appointed VDB Central Ecclesiastical Assistant (EA) Fr. Joan Lluis Playa (Spain, Barcelona) is undergoing his first Asian trip baptism. Two more VDB Central Councilors and other 4 EAO senior VDB members are present as resource person. More than 25 Ecclesiastical assistants from the Philippines (5, FIN and FIS), Hong Kong, Macau (3), Japan (1), Korea (3), Vietnam (1), Thailand (1), India (2, INM and INK), Cambodia (1), Indonesia (1) and Timor Leste (1) attended the formation. The local organizing team under the guidance of FILA (Philippines) Regional VDB EA Fr. Charles Manlangit (FIN) includes also the first CDB Aspirants from the Manila group (EA Fr. Eli Cruz, FIN).

The main purpose of the seminar was to help the Ecclesiastical Assistants deepen their knowledge and love to the special Salesian vocation so that they may be able to help the VDB to grow in their vocation. Moreover, various VDB documents from surveys and articles were presented, reflected upon and shared with each other that allowed a much deeper appreciation of the vocation. Vocation promotion was presented as a challenging aspect of the VDB vocation due to the secular and “reserved” nature. The VDB and CDB secularity and “reserve” were one of the most powerful gifts that the Lord has given the secular Salesians. Thought the goodnights, the VDBs were able to share their vocation stories that helped the participants in their reflection. Enriching multi-cultural sharing of insights contributed to the richness of the reflections. Materials from the Salesian world and results of the proceedings were gathered to help in the formation ministry of the Assistant were distributed.

Formation session was designed by Olga Krizova, the President of the Don Bosco Volunteer Secular Institute and prepared by en extensive survey to all 22 provinces of South Asia and EAO region - 22 SDB provincials, 24 VDB Assistants and 145 VDB members.

Fr. Eligio Cruz, SDB, former FIN Provincial, CDB Ecclesiastical Assistant in the Philippines, shared with Fr. Playa and other participants on the sideline talk the CDB vocation work in the FIN. Materials were shared in order to start to promote and form from other EAO and South Asia regions the men counterpart.

Let us continue to pray for more VDB and CDB vocations in order to bring the Gospel through the Salesian Consecrated Secular Vocation living like salt and yeast in the Lord’s vineyard.

All related materials in English (VDB basic documents; formation magazine 'Crescere' and survey & talks shared during this meeting are available on the BOSCOLINK

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