11 February 2017, Mandaluyong City, the Philippines – The Salesian Family members from different branches gathered on 11 February 2017 at Don Bosco Technical College in Mandaluyong City to celebrate its Annual Fellowship Day. For this year’s gathering and to celebrate the feast of St. John Bosco as one family, the leaders of the Salesian Family (SF) branches organized a sports activity with the theme, Juan for One: Simba, Zumba, Sama-sama.
The activity started at 8:30 am with the concelebrated Mass presided by Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB—FIN Provincial Superior. Shortly after the Holy Mass, SF members assembled in the school gymnasium for the Zumba activity. Young and senior members all participated and enjoyed the graceful fitness routine led by Irene Boneo from Don Bosco School in Sta. Mesa. Zumba was followed by the anticipated sports activities where members of the different SF groups were divided according to their chosen sports: basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other group games. The youth from Makati, Central and South districts participated in basketball. The Salesian Sisters (FMA) joined the members of the Association of the Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), and Familia Asociacion Damas Salesianas (FADS) in volleyball and badminton, assisted by Cedric Castillo from Don Bosco School, and Alfred Quemada from Sta. Rosa, Laguna as referees. Members from Makati, Central, Parañaque, South, and North districts enjoyed the teamwork and camaraderie through the games organized by the aspirants and prenovices of Don Bosco Canlubang, Laguna. A simple recognition and awarding of winners was held in the afternoon.
Members shared the food they brought for lunch. This was followed by a raffle and bingo facilitated by representatives from Don Bosco Alumni National Federation. Much to the delight of members, major, and minor prizes were given away to the winners.
The Salesian Family Fellowship Day ended at 2:40 pm with the blessing and closing prayer that was led by Fr. Bobby Mac Roxas, SDB—FIN Commission on the Salesian Family Delegate.
Everyone went home happy, energized, and grateful for the gift of friendship among the members of the Salesian Family. Guided by the 2017 Strenna of our Rector Major Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime “We are a Family: Every Home, a School of Life and Love” and with St. John Bosco as teacher and guide, the members of the Salesian Family take it as their mission to fortify love and respect in their respective families.
VIVA DON BOSCO!!!
by Maria Junifer Maliglig (ADMA)