Calauan, Laguna, the Philippines, 17 September 2016—106 Salesian Cooperators together with their Local Delegates from the different centers of the Philippine North Province gathered together for the Annual Cooperators’ Day in Don Bosco Calauan which is in the National Housing Authority’s 107-hectare relocation site for families who were living in slums and informal settlements along Pasig River in Metro Manila.
The Cooperators welcomed with the smiles of the residents and the warm welcome remarks of Fr. Salvador Pablo, SDB—Rector. This was followed by a talk on “Laudato Si” by Fr. Rafael Galve, SDB who is a member of SDB community in Calauan. After providing some inputs, he challenged the Cooperators to discuss among themselves in the coming monthly meetings in their respective centers their plan of action and contribution to the preservation of Mother Earth.
After a short break, the Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr. Bobby Roxas, SDB, the ASC-FIN Provincial Delegate with other ASC Local Delegates and Salesian priests. The Gospel reading was preceded by a Bible enthronement. After the homily the Rite of Acceptance was held for seven new cooperators who made their solemn promise to live the evangelical project of the Association of Salesian Cooperators. After Holy Communion, all the cooperators prayed the Cooperator’s prayer and renewed their promise as Salesian Cooperators.
The cooperators enjoyed their lunch of binalot (pork/chicken adobo, egg, tomato and okra wrapped in banana leaves) which community’s catering services prepared. After lunch, a orientation was given on the various apostolate and livelihood projects being undertaken for the residents of this Calauan resettlement area. The youth leaders then led the cooperators to a tour of the different livelihood projects. The Salesians assigned here are convinced that as part of their socio-pastoral care for the community/people, they have to device livelihood programs to bring about work, food at table and most especially ‘dignity’ of their own, pegged with human & spiritual values and integrated with our Salesian culture and spirituality. The young are also given hope for a brighter future as they acquire technical skills in the Don Bosco TVET Center Calauan, which is also located in the area.
The cooperators also had a chance to bond and spend quality time with 100 young people from the area. They played games where the young and old alike had fun. Snacks of turon, pastries, candies, biscuits and gift bags of grocery items were given to these young people to share with their families. Aside from the food for the body, the cooperators were also able to share food for the soul through the donation of 134 Bibles and 100 rosaries with guide. These were handed over to the SDB community. There was also a gift to Mother Earth through several seedlings offered during the mass. Through the generous and overwhelming support of the cooperators, ASC-FIN was also able to give in advance a cash donation for them to finish four comfort rooms which were constructed in time for the visit.
The Salesian Cooperators were very happy and grateful to have been given the chance to share in the Salesian mission in this part of the world. ASC-FIN will forever cherish the experiences they had during our visit and these will inspire us to be instruments of hope for others as we help them gain back their dignity as human beings created in the image of God.
The Salesian Community of Calauan, Laguna extended their heartfelt gratitude to the cooperators for taking time to visit them, to spend time with the community even for a short while and for the gifts that they have generously shared.
by Ms. Lita Cuaresma, ASC