FIN Salesian Family Recollection Day 2018

By Cl. Paolo Romero, SDB

Makati City, the Philippines, 13 October 2018 – On the memorial of Bl. Alexandrina Da Costa, a Salesian Cooperator, the various members of the Salesian Family in the Philippine North (FIN) Province gathered in the Joy Center of Don Bosco Technical Institute-Makati for a half-day recollection. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Associzione di Maria Auziliatrice (ADMA), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), Volunteers Con Don Bosco (CDB), Famiglia Damas Salesianas (FDS), Don Bosco Past Pupils (DBPP) and the Past Pupils of FMA (PPFMA)

During the registration, everyone was invited to the Marian exhibit entitled “Pinagpala” (‘Blessed’) which was held in the Bosco Hall of the School.

The recollection started with the talk of Fr. Ric Fernando, SDB. He emphasized the universal call of God to holiness; that holiness is not exclusive for religious and the clergy, but it is for everyone. Fr. Ric used latest letter of Pope Francis, Gaudate et Exultate, and the Strenna 2019 as his main resource. He challenged each and every member of the Salesian family to be holy, the ‘Salesian’ way.

Then, there was a 15-minute break, which was immediately followed by the Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. For more than an hour, the members of the Salesian Family prayed together as one. During this time, priests were also available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

To culminate the activity was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Fr. Ric Fernando, SDB presided the celebration together with the other Salesian priests. The Brothers from the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco (SnDB) served in the Mass; while the Postnovitiate brothers animated the singing; and the FMA sisters were the lectors. Fr. Ric, in his homily, reiterated the call to holiness, but this time, placing to spotlight the role of our mother, Mary.

Everyone left the place a smile in the face, ready to live a life of holiness in his/her own life. A Salesian Family that prays together, becomes holy together.

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