Makati Celebrates the Month of Rosary

By Fr. Juvelan Paul Samia, SDB, Br. Ronnel Tiu, SDB and Fr. Donnie Duchin DUya, SDB

Makati City, the Philippines, 30 October 2017 -- This is how Fr. Favie Faldas, SDB rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute—Makati (DBTI), described how the students and lay mission partners of DBTI wrapped up the month of October, month of the most Holy Rosary.

Marian Rally

The events took off with the 23rd inter school Marian Rally of the high school department on 23 October. The theme revolved around "Take Refuge in my Immaculate Heart," in keeping with the year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the apparition of our Lady of Fatima.

Fr. Juvelan Paul Samia, SDB gave a talk on "How Millenials can Cultivate Devotion to Mary" to the participants, followed by group sharing among them.

In the afternoon, the whole department witnessed the Marian enthronement led by Fr. Faldas. After which, Fr. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB shared his reflection on the relevance of the message of Fatima to the young people of today.

Bosconians showcased their talents as a tribute to the Blessed Mother. Br. Joel Granada, SDB led a group of high school students in an animated dance. Some students delivered a spoken word poetry and personal testimonial. The world renown Boscorale rendered a Marian hymn.

The event was concluded consecrating the department to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mr. Andrew Chanco and Ms. Alda Sumbingco were at the helm of these activities.

Marian Serenade

The following day, which fell on the 24th of the month, the elementary department welcomed the pilgrim image “viajera” of Nuestra Señora Virgen dela Rosa de Macati which will be celebrating her 300th anniversary of arrival in the Philippines.

The original image is enshrined in the Parish Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Brgy. Poblacion Makati, the oldest parish Church in the city, which was established in 1620.

The Image was carried in procession from the SJB Parish by her devotees and welcomed by the students, lay mission partners, and some parents from the elementary department. When she reached her altar at the Magone Dome, the prayers were offered. Grade 3 students serenaded her, with some dance animation.

This event was organized by the elementary pastoral team headed by Mrs. Eleanor Armada and Mr. Teofilo Isaac.

Three Marian Pilgrimages

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Department (TVET) had a pilgrimage on the same day. Dubbed as "Alay Lakbay sa Bahay ni Inay" (loosely translated, an offering of pilgrimage toward Mama’s Home), the TVET students and lay mission partners visited the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians (NSMHC) in Better Living, Parañaque City.

They assembled at 4:00 in the morning near SM Bicutan, from there they walked going to the shrine. When they arrived there, they celebrated the Holy Mass with their spiritual moderator, Fr. Ben-Hur Borja, SDB.

On the same day, the students and lay mission partners of the high school department trooped to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Quezon City for the annual Marian Pilgrimage. Some parents even joined in the pilgrimage.

The Carmelite fathers did not just welcome the school community to the shrine of our Lady, they were even generous in their time as a number of their priests sat for confessions before and even during the Mass. This is to offer to the pilgrims the plenary indulgence to those who will visit the shrine.

Fr. Joey D. Mabborang, OCD, parish priest, presided the Mass, as Fr. Faldas, Fr. Duya and Fr. Glenn Protacio, SDB concelebrated.

On October 25, it was the turn of the elementary department to visit the shrine. The lay mission partners from the department, together with the grade 3 to 6 students, their parents and families joined the pilgrimage.

Fr. Ransom Rapirap, OCD, assistant parish priest, welcomed the pilgrims.

Before the Mass, there was the praying of the holy rosary with animation. While this was taking place, the sacrament of confession was offered to the pilgrims.

Holy Mass

The Mass began with the students’ waving their blue and pink flaglets. The Holy Gospel featuring the episode of the Angel’s annunciation to Mary was accompanied by a dramatization from the students.

In his homily, Fr. Samia stressed the value of praying the rosary together as a family. He encouraged the families to pray the rosary together at least once a week with the father leading the first mystery. He also explained how the rosary is rooted in the Bible, also a Christo-centric prayer.

Bosconian families led the Prayer of the Faithful; some even offered gifts during the presentation of the gifts. Don Bosco Dance Group, post-communion prayer in the form of a dance animation of “Inay” (Mother). Grades 5-6 students of Rua danced the animation of “Magpasalamat;” (Give Thanks)

After the Mass, there was the imposition of the scapulars. After which, everyone was provided snacks to the pilgrims to the Shrine.

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