Written by Cl. Paul Miguel Calderon, SDB
Photos by Cl. Jonas Paulo Lacson, SDB
Canlubang, Laguna, the Philippines, 5 July 2020 --The Philippine North Province rejoices at the first religious profession of its newest member in the person of Cl Antonio Josef Rodriguez, SDB.
Cl. “Anthony,” as he is fondly called, made his First Profession this morning at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.
Following the protocols set by the government to limit mass gatherings, a small handful of his family members came, joined by Salesians from various communities of the Province.
The event was livestreamed thru the Facebook page of the FIN Province.
This was the first time a provincial gathering was held more than three months after the state issued nationwide quarantine measures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Mass was presided by FIN Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Gerardo N. Martin, SDB, concelebrated with some Salesian priests.
Cl. Anthony hails from Makati City, Philippines, and is an alumnus of Don Bosco Technical Institute Makati. He entered the aspirantate in 2014 after a year of College Studies at the University of Sto. Tomas. Consequently, he was accepted for Prenovitiate in 2018 and Novitiate in 2019. He is the only son of Mr. Arnold. and Mrs. Josephine Rodriguez.
In his gratitude speech, he thanked his parents for being generous to God. In return, the Congregation gifted the family with a statue of Don Bosco with Mamma Margarette.
A portion of his vocation story is posted in the FIN website
