Canlubang, Philippines, March 12, 2016 - The Salesian Brothers residing in the Philippine North Province (FIN) gather for common formation and fellowship at the Don Bosco Postnovitiate in Canlubang, Laguna on 12 March 2016 from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm--they are Brothers come from various missions, schools and formation house settings. The gathering was even more enriched by the presence of Salesian Brothers from the EAO Sandor Community who come from the various Salesian Provinces in the EAO and South Asia.
Br. Raymond Callo, SDB, EAO Formation Department Coordinator and FIN Salesian Brother in-charge of on-going formation, organized the gathering which was in hiatus for several year due to circumstances. This attempt aims to start a regular formation for the Brothers in the FIN. Br. Callo said that the formation is very much needed because of the good number (35+) of Salesian Brothers that who are in the FIN studying or doing ministry. He also said that there are many young Brothers in the FIN. Fr. Arnold Sanico, SDB, Rector of the Sandor Community showed his support through his active presence.
Br. Jomar Castillo, SDB, Economer and Formator at the Postnovitiate welcomed the Brothers who attended. Br. Mon invited the brothers to meet the those whom they do not know yet especially those newly professed and from other countires. It was a happy encounter because it is not so often that the brothers in such a big number. It was followed by a conference of Br. Mon on his reflections and personal reading of the "Identity and Mission of the Religious Brothers in the Church" which was released on 4 October 2014 by the Congregation of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The Brothers then divided in to smaller clusters to share their vocation stories and their personal reflection on the document. Vespers and dinner followed. Br. Joe Ferrer, SDB, most senior attendee of the meeting, gave the goodnight talk. He emphasised on the importance of "being" than the "doing" in one's religious life. He even gave himself as an example that as he gets older and has lesser things to do because of age and health limitations, he is challenged to deepen more his relationship with the Lord and continue to be part of the mission through his sacrifices and examples.
The gathering was rich and fruitful. Meeting brothers from different walks of life and from different communities was able to widen the horizon of brothers of the limitless possibilities of their vocation and the great value of the gift of Salesian Consecration.
