austraLasia

ALA_5357

CEBU

By Ms Rian Mae Manliguez
FIS PROVINCE - SALVO (Salesian Lay Volunteers)

Cebu, Philippines, 15 April 2020 -- In 1854, fear envelops Turin, Italy because of countless lives lost and yet there are no effective means of immunization from the contagious disease. Businesses are closed and streets are empty. People are running away while some people are dying alone deserted by their relatives. But Don Bosco seems to show no fear. Or, maybe he is... but is willing to be on their aid for he trusts God and the intercession of the Blessed Mother. This drive prompt the boys to volunteer in bringing aid to the victims.

This scene in Turin during the cholera outbreak is familiar in our time today, including the experience of pain and hope. Still, Don Bosco continues to be alive in the hearts of his boys in Magone Home Aftercare Program (MHAP). His example of courage is the aspiration of his boys in sharing this hope to others. The boys in the Magone Home may not be able to go out and help but the face shields they make give the front liners a feel of their presence. Mr. Abby Banuag, the Psychological Services Supervisor and Magone Home Team Lead Coordinator shares, “It is hopeful to see that the young individuals of Magone Home Aftercare Program who used to have infractions against the law gave their own contribution to let their support be felt by our frontliners who are battling for our safety against the COVID 19 virus.”

The boys share the joy they have received from helping others. It gives them a unique feeling when they hear people say that they have helped doctors, nurses and especially the police. They recalled how the police use to catch them because of their ill doings but now they are helping them. One boy has said that he used to think only of himself and doing mischievous acts. Now, he has learned how to help others and see it as the beginning of his change.

The boys enjoy what they are doing. Even though they have stopped their regular activities and have focused on making the face shields, they fully understand that they will learn more out of this experience. When they heard that many doctor fell ill and died, they have become more determined to help. They know that what they are doing will help protect them. Ms. Balet Artes, the Magone Home Social Worker shares, “They proudly share to their parents how they are helping the frontliners. This has a great impact on them specially as former CICL, to show to the community that they can do something. They enjoyed it!”

Bro. Louie Domasian, SDB, the Magone Home Director jokingly begins with his sharing: “For the first time, they have negative results (from COVID) because often times they are positive with drugs.” He adds, “Amidst the worries and fears that they have with this pandemic that might cause on them and their families they are happy and proud to be give the chance to do something even if they are inside.”

On April 10, 2020 (Good Friday), the boys together with the Rector, Fr. Roneldo R. Vilbar, were praying the Way of the Cross within the compound of Don Bosco Liloan. For quite sometime that they have been observing lockdown inside. No one is permitted to just casually come in like the parents of the boys, visitors, and others. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Magone Helping Team ensure their safety while facing this crisis. However, they cannot avoid worrying about the condition of their families: whether they have something to eat, or if they have acquired the virus. All of these, they offered during the Way of the Cross. They also offered this to the families and to those individuals who are inside their individual homes, and most of all, to all front liners who do not have much rest while battling against the current problem. Truly, Don Bosco is present in the hearts of his boys as they give hope and receive hope.