By FIS SocCom

Cebu, The Philippines, 11 December 2020 -- 8 December 2020, Cebu City. The Salesian Society of St. John Bosco-Philippines South Province celebrated the Perpetual Profession of two Salesian Brothers: Bro. Raffy Besonia, SDB and Bro. John Raymond Montejo, SDB. The perpetual profession was a most awaited occasion nine years in the making. It highlighted once again for the province the role and importance of Salesian Brothers. The last Salesian Brother to perpetually profess was Bro. Louie Domasian SDB in 2011.

The celebration was held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Punta Princesa. His Excellency Archbishop Jose Palma DD, Archbishop of Cebu graced and presided over the celebration of the Holy Mass. Speaking from the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Archbishop reminded the two brothers to become signs and bearers of God’s grace as Mary was to a world corrupted by sin. It is when a religious embodies in himself the presence of Christ that he fulfills the promise of God in Genesis.

Fr. Godofredo Atienza SDB, Provincial Superior, representing the Rector Major, received the perpetual vows of the 2 brothers. The Salesian Brothers in the province came in full force in support of the professandi. Bro. Alexander Abelgas SDB and Bro. Silvestre Crescencio SDB stood as witnesses. Priests from the different Salesian houses in Cebu were also present. Because of pandemic restrictions only a handful representatives from the Salesian Family were able to attend. The families of the two Brothers were not able to come because of travel restrictions.

A clear and visible sign of the perpetual profession of the Brothers was the Good Shepherd Cross that was invested on them during the profession. At the back of the cross is written "Studia di farti amare" (Strive to be loved), a beloved quotation of Don Bosco. As Bros. Raffy and John received the Cross, they were perpetually reminded, nay instructed, by Don Bosco himself to do all things to gain the trust and love of those whom Divine Providence will send them. This is the core of the Salesian Vocation because love given to young people, through works and apostolate, will only bear an abundance of harvest if reciprocated by them through a fruitful life and a heart open to God’s grace.

Bro. Raffy and Bro. John have now reaffirmed that their journey was always to be forever in the service of the young since the began their formation as Salesians. We accompany them with our support and prayers as they fulfill the mission entrusted to them in the Salesian Lay Brother Vocation.

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