Salesian Cooperators liloan initiative
By Ms Maria Carmelita, ASC
Salesian Cooperator of Don Bosco Liloan
Cebu, the Philippines, 27 August 2016 -- Full-fledged members of the Salesian Cooperators (SC) of Don Bosco Boys’ Home in Liloan, Cebu, Philippines took on an initiative, in response to the Salesian Congregation’s challenge of establishing family ministry.
This initiative is to give formation input to parents of students at the Liloan National High School Annex– Don Bosco Campus (LNHSA-DBC). The Cooperator’s goal is to try and understand the struggles and the circumstances they are in and put them in the right context in a way. St. John Bosco’s advocacy to educate through evangelization and evangelize through education, is relevant not only to the young, but valuable to their parents as well.
After a series of discussion and brainstorming in consultation with the rector of the house, the group came up with the following topics about the basic convictions about the family and their corresponding speakers:
- All Families Come from God. - by Jesus “Chuchi” Bantilon
- Everything God Created is Good. - by Sonia Natividad
- He gave us Parents to be his Representative. - by Amy Veloso
- Parents must be Good Models. - by Melin Yungco
August 27, 2016 was a pretty special day. It was the second Parents & Teachers Assembly of LNHSA-DBC for this school year and the day that the Salesian Cooperators of Liloan Chapter had earnestly prepared for – the first Parents’ Formation.
Being this was a first, they had no idea how the participants (the parents) will take it or what their reaction will be. However, as soon as the first speaker started, they listened intently and were very attentive. After each topic (which includes true to life experiences, realizations, and tips), the participants were given a few minutes to talk about it with the person beside or near them. After which, a volunteer is called to share his/her own thoughts on the particular topic. It was noted that some were clearly touched by the discussion and showed some emotional reactions. Most likely on the aspects that they can identify with.
The speakers (all parents themselves), did a good job. They were able to effectively impart to the parents the message of their assigned topic, despite the nervousness that came with facing a large audience – a total of more or less 220.
Overall, everyone was pleased and welcomed the session. It was also emphasized that learning is a continuing experience. Thus we, the Salesian Cooperators of Liloan, Cebu, Philippines are positive that with this Formation and with God’s grace, we are able to contribute in our own small way in inspiring families to be Christ-centered. We pray that this initiative will serve as the seed that will cultivate more love, respect and harmony among its members and within the community. This was indeed a great opportunity to share, remind and perhaps teach everyone that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
The next foreseen formation topic would be, “parenting and the Preventive System.”
