By Ms. Junifer Maliglig, ADMA
On 20 October 2018, more or less 200 Salesian Family members from North and South Province joined the 5th National Salesian Family Encounter which was held in Don Bosco Technical Institute in Victorias, Negros Occidental. For this year, the chosen theme was “Community of Communities together with the Youth”. Fr. Joriz F. Calsa, SDB, Vocation Promotion Director and Youth Center in-charge of Lawaan in Cebu was the invited speaker to deepen the understanding and formation of this year theme of the encounter.
After the registration in the morning, the Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, Provincial Superior-FIS. The Mass was concelebrated by Salesian priests from FIN and FIS province.
Also in the morning, a short testimony regarding the activities, meetings and gatherings was shared by one of the members of the Volunteers of Don Bosco and presentation about the Salesian Family in North Province was shared by Fr. Bobby Mac Roxas, SDB, the Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family-FIN.
In the afternoon, the participants were divided into five (5) groups for the outreach activities either by (1) visiting the sick, (2) visiting families of the sacadas working in Victorias Milling Company, (3) encounter with the children in conflict with law at Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center, (4) Visiting the aged group, and (5) catechism with the youth group in Mary Help of Christians Church. After the vespers, some of the participants shared their realization and memorable experience of the outreach activity.
Everyone enjoyed the barrio fiesta themed dinner and cultural program, either a song or dance presentations were rendered by the different groups of the Salesian Family. It was made special because of the hilarious presence of Fr. Andy Satura, SDB who emceed the Program. The tradional good night talk to the participants was given by Fr. Julius Sanchez, SDB the former FIS Provincial Superior.
The Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members, VDB, SDB and FMA, Damas Salesianas and alumni were all thankful for the experience and presence of a family in the Salesian Family. The encounter has ended but the participants are challenged to be committed in communion with the communities especially with the young and looking forward for the next Salesian Family encounter.
