By Aspirant Vince Joseph Pedrola
Lawaan Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines, 4 February 20221-- It was an eventful and meaningful week for the Salesian Family as also shared by the community of Don Bosco Formation Center - Lawaan. The continuous thrill beginning from Christmas, New Year, and Sinulog celebrations continued to soar up until the last week of January on the solemnity of St John Bosco.
The daily novena masses, the sermonettes of the Aspirants, and the Nosegay (daily challenges on the practice of virtues) added to the spiritual preparation for everyone. The banderitas hanging all over the corridors gave a festive ambiance to the community. On the 29th of January, the Aspirants staged an Academy entitled "Balik Tanaw" under the direction of Cl. Erwynn Encarguez, SDB. It talks about the impact Don Bosco had on his pupils no matter their state in life.
On the following day, the Aspirants had a Cook Fest for lunch and followed by a basketball game and a BINGO with the members of the DBYC. The solemnity started with the celebration of Vespers.
On 31 January, the Solemnity of St John Bosco, Father and Teacher of Youth, the day opened with a celebration of the Holy Mass at the Shrine of St. John Bosco the Dreamer presided by Rev. Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB - Rector of DBFC. During his homily, he exhorted the faithful to live St. John Bosco's dream in their respective places. Since it was also the Community Day of the Formation Center, each year level of the Aspirants rendered songs of felicitations to the Formators.
In the evening, a Solemn Vespers was celebrated followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary which highlighted the life of St John Bosco. The day ended with a Dinner Program that was attended by the different members of the Salesian Family under DBFC. It was held at the Mary Help of Christians Garden where each one exchanged melodious laughter of camaraderie as they live the dream of St John Bosco today.
