By Ms. Jireh Cielo P. Plata and Jeraldyn C. Tadea
Manila, the Philipines, 21 October 2016 -- The Don Bosco TVET Center – Tondo culminated the October Rosary Month with a Rosary Prayer Rally and a public commitment of the senior trainees to a life of chastity.
A Marian Procession was organized where six decorated images of Mary Help of Christians were carried around the local community.
The solemn praying of the Holy Rosary followed inside the Youth Center Gymnasium where the different mysteries of the Holy Rosary were introduced through interpretative dances expressing the different Filipino culture.
After the praying of the Holy Rosary, the trainees formed a group composed of 20 persons for the group sharing experience that was focused on one’s appreciation of a healthy heterosexual relationship where chastity is respected and valued. An activity called “Mirroring” culminated this group experience where every trainee must get a partner belonging to one’s opposite sex; and with the help of the facilitators, were asked to dance following a specific rhythm.
After this group formative experience, the guest speaker of this event, Senator Loren Legarda, gave an inspirational talk. She developed her message into three parts:
- Being grateful to the sponsors, teachers, Salesians and parents;
- Becoming proactive in terms of skills enhancement and lifelong learning;
- Respecting oneself, others and the environment.
Before ending her talk, she made a commitment for scholarship grants to some of the TVET trainees.
The senior trainees made their purity commitment in front of the image of the Blessed Mother. This was done as a culmination of their spiritual recollection.
The event closed with Fr. Dennis Paez, SDB giving the blessing of Mary Help of Christians.
