Parañaque City, the Philippines, November 8, 2016—The Don Bosco Sacred Heart Postnovitiate Community went to Don Bosco Center of Studies in Paranaque to attend a conference given by Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, General Councilor for Youth Ministry. Fr. Fabio used what he called the “grassroots” approach as he commenced his discussion. He divided the community into groups of three and instructed them to answer the questions, “Who is Don Bosco for you?” and “What is Salesian Youth Ministry?” Having posted the answers of each group on the board, he emphasized three important points: Mission, Don Bosco, and the Young. According to him, these are the points of convergence of Formation and Youth Ministry which the candidates in formation should not take for granted. “We are in the process of discovering what it means to be a Salesian as each one has his own way of taking Don Bosco seriously,” he said. Among the several topics he discussed, his elaboration of the two constitution articles highlighting the significance of knowing, following, and loving Don Bosco to strengthen one’s Salesian vocation amidst challenges and difficulties was one of the most striking.
Fr. Fabio’s conference was very endearing and inspiring as he shared insightful ideas, amusing personal experiences, and profound reflections in his journey as a Salesian and specifically, as a General Councilor of the Congregation. After the community had a group picture with Fr. Fabio, each postnovice brother thanked and asked for the blessing of Fr. Fabio with a grateful heart.
by Cl. Joel Granada, SDB