austraLasia #2550
Ondoy update: seminary reach-out
Sta. Cruz, Laguna FIN: 2nd December 2009 -- After months of being struck by several super typhoons including Typhoon Ondoy, parts of cities, towns and municipalities around the Laguna Lake (in Luzon) have still remained underwater. This is so with Sta. Cruz, the capital of the Province of Laguna. Relief goods continue to be distributed to assist those who are still affected.
In solidarity, the aspirants and Salesians of Don Bosco Seminary in Canlubang, 1.5 hours north of Sta. Cruz, assisted the victims by organizing themselves to re-pack relief goods sent by some Filipino communities from California (USA) and Milan (Italy) and procured goods from financial donations from communities both local and abroad channeled through the Salesian Commission on Youth Ministry.
The relief distribution was held at the Don Bosco High School in Sta. Cruz. About 800 families were able to receive relief. The aspirants helped by distributing goods and organizing the big crowd waiting outside the compound. It was co-organized by the Salesian Lay Volunteers Philippines through Ms. Regie Medalla and the leaders of the Basic Ecclesial Communities of the parish in Sta. Cruz.
In the afternoon, the aspirants had an immersion-tour (probably in all respects!) to the places that are still under water. They rode fishermen's boats to view the affected communities. They saw destroyed/submerged houses and bridges, hectares of rice fields more or less three feet under water, collapsed fish pens, pig and poultry cages, and submerged vegetable farms. Homes and livelihood are still very much affecting the lives people.
One of the boatmen-fishermen said that the water is expected to subside after December. He said, flooding happens every year but this is the worst he has experienced so far that waters does not subside immediately.
The experience was formative according to Fr. Rolo Alcasid, Rector, in his homily that capped the whole day activity. The importance of solidarity with the poor and the needy is one of the important characteristics that an aspiring Salesian should develop. Like Jesus, he went out of his way to be at the service of those who are most in need at the outcast.
------------
Note:
Don Bosco High School – Sta. Cruz is on its last months under the Salesians. It will be handed over to the diocese after the graduation of the last batch on March. The 400 year old parish attached to it was already handed back years ago. But still the lasting influence of the Salesians will remain in the hearts of parents and alumni of Don Bosco Sta. Cruz and the surrounding municipalities around the capital where the spirit of Don Bosco continues.
_________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2009 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle. Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
Title: australasia 2550
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces FIN Ondoy update
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2550
Ondoy update: seminary reach-out
Sta. Cruz, Laguna FIN: 2nd December 2009 -- After months of being struck by several super typhoons including Typhoon Ondoy, parts of cities, towns and municipalities around the Laguna Lake (in Luzon) have still remained underwater. This is so with Sta. Cruz, the capital of the Province of Laguna. Relief goods continue to be distributed to assist those who are still affected.
In solidarity, the aspirants and Salesians of Don Bosco Seminary in Canlubang, 1.5 hours north of Sta. Cruz, assisted the victims by organizing themselves to re-pack relief goods sent by some Filipino communities from California (USA) and Milan (Italy) and procured goods from financial donations from communities both local and abroad channeled through the Salesian Commission on Youth Ministry.
The relief distribution was held at the Don Bosco High School in Sta. Cruz. About 800 families were able to receive relief. The aspirants helped by distributing goods and organizing the big crowd waiting outside the compound. It was co-organized by the Salesian Lay Volunteers Philippines through Ms. Regie Medalla and the leaders of the Basic Ecclesial Communities of the parish in Sta. Cruz.
In the afternoon, the aspirants had an immersion-tour (probably in all respects!) to the places that are still under water. They rode fishermen's boats to view the affected communities. They saw destroyed/submerged houses and bridges, hectares of rice fields more or less three feet under water, collapsed fish pens, pig and poultry cages, and submerged vegetable farms. Homes and livelihood are still very much affecting the lives people.
One of the boatmen-fishermen said that the water is expected to subside after December. He said, flooding happens every year but this is the worst he has experienced so far that waters does not subside immediately.
The experience was formative according to Fr. Rolo Alcasid, Rector, in his homily that capped the whole day activity. The importance of solidarity with the poor and the needy is one of the important characteristics that an aspiring Salesian should develop. Like Jesus, he went out of his way to be at the service of those who are most in need at the outcast.
------------
Note:
Don Bosco High School – Sta. Cruz is on its last months under the Salesians. It will be handed over to the diocese after the graduation of the last batch on March. The 400 year old parish attached to it was already handed back years ago. But still the lasting influence of the Salesians will remain in the hearts of parents and alumni of Don Bosco Sta. Cruz and the surrounding municipalities around the capital where the spirit of Don Bosco continues.
_________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2009 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle. Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
Title: australasia 2550
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces FIN Ondoy update
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2550
