Interview with Salesian Cooperator - Ms Imelda Benitez

By Our Own Correspondent

Manila, the Philippines, 23 January 2019 -- What makes you happy as a Salesian Cooperator?

Feeling and realizing the grace of more meaningful circumstances of my daily life in the family, at work, in friendship, service to community and of course in my service to the Church especially with Salesians.

What makes you grow in the Salesian Cooperator vocation and mission?

My constant and consistent participation in all activities of the Association and the wider Salesian Family since I joined 25 yrs ago makes me grow in my vocation and mission. I also consistently carry out a youth and communication apostolate with Salesians despite the pressing matter of priorities with family, profession and community life. Most of all I regard my prayer life and devotion as the best companion in my pursuit for growth in this vocation.

What are the major challenges in your vocation growth (personal or as local centre)?

Personally, I consider thes challenges in my vocation growth to be some practical realities like the times that I struggle (family household chores, work deadlines): finances, and differences with other members of SF.

How do you prepare yourself as a formator? What do you need to accomplish your task?

I pray over and offer for God’s glory all the things that i do. I do research by reading (published works and online), I look and take opportunities to engage with young people so am attuned to their language and fast changing culture that I can consider and make reference to. I pursue professional skills and development to effectively and efficiently take on the Formator role.

What exchange among the EAO Salesian Cooperators do you dream about?

I dream of and active, concerned and open exchange among EAO Salesian Cooperators. This means sharing of resources, being sensitive to each cultural context but united in our love for Don Bosco and the gift of Salesian Spirituality.

What do you expect from the 2019 EAO Formators Workshop?

I expect to have a levelling-off in understandng the Formation Guidelines, enrichment of formation content, enhancement of formation skills, deepening of commitment to formation to self and as a service to the association at the local and provincial levels.

How do you put into practice the four pillars of formation: Know – Know how to do? – Know how to be? – Know how to live in communion?

I take the 4 pillars as my goals and objectives to achieve the 3 dimensions of my Salesian Vocation. I also share this as the mantra of the Formation Team at the ASC FIN province level that is tasked to develop formation modules. In practice, I seek knowledge about Human, Christian and Salesian dimensions to expound. I strategize appropriate actions to carry them out. I ensure and make an effort to be a witness and live an integrated life with these dimensions. Finally, I find ways to share the gifts of serving the young with my spiritual family.

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