By Bro. Dominic Verano, SDB

Tagaytay, Philippines — The Practical Trainees of the Philippine Noth Province gathered for a three day quarterly formation and bonding from September 25 to 27 at Canossa Retreat House in Tagaytay City.

Three sessions took place which were facilitated by three different speakers.

The first session was about the Social Media and Salesian Assistance which was facilitated by Dcn. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB. Here, Dcn. Donnie shared how Salesians could be present and practice assistance in the realm of Social Media.

The second session zeroed in on the Salesian Presence which was rendered no less by the FIN Provincial Superior himself, Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB. He talked primarily about our identity as Salesians concretely manifested in our being Assistants.

Lastly, Session 3 focused on the letter of General Councilor on Formation Fr. Ivo Coelho, SDB on “Life as Prayer.” This was facilitated by Fr. Charles Manlangit, SDB, Rector of Sacred Heart Postnovitiate Community. As Salesians in active apostolate, as shared by Fr. Charles, we should not neglect our prayers nor look at it as an obstacle to our work. Rather, we should see our prayer as an essential element of our identity as Salesians.

These were days of prayer and formation, bonding, camaraderie, fun, and relaxation that would greatly help the practical trainees to re-energize and invigorate themselves as they are to apply what they have learned in the different settings that they are assigned to.

The partecipants are:

• Cl. Daniel Gonzales, SDB - (DBTC Mandaluyong),
• Cl. Jamy Reignier Roxas, SDB, Br. John Raymond Montejo, SDB (FIS) - (DBTI Makati)
• Cl. Cyril Vincent Noel, SDB, Br. Ronnel Tiu, SDB - (DB College - Canlubang)
• Cl. Jules Brian Punsalan, SDB - (DB Postnovitiate)
• Cl. Jan Renan Parala, SDB and Br. Dominic Verano, SDB - (DB Prenovitiate)