By Cl. Juvelan Paul N. Samia, SDB
Makati, Philippines, November 30, 2015 – The Philippine Province of St. John Bosco (FIN) came together for the Provincial Community Day inspired by this year’s theme “Don Bosco Keeps Us Together.” United by the figure of the Provincial in the person of Rev. Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, the confreres, aspirants, and prenovices celebrated their fraternal communion and expressed their gratitude for the gift of the provincial community.
The day kicked off with the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Paul at the St. John Bosco Parish Church. The homily was preached by Rev. Fr. Vicente Cervania, SDB who celebrates this year his 50th anniversary of religious profession and his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of having a “personal encounter” with the Lord Jesus in order to be sustained in the Salesian life, but especially during those moments when our vocation is put to the test.
During the snacks, the confreres were delighted to see Fr. Jose Reinoso, SDB who was brought out of the Zatti Clinic in wheel chair. Fr. Pepe, as he is fondly called by the confreres of the province, celebrates this year his 60th anniversary of religious profession and 50th anniversary of priestly ordination. Throngs of confreres lovingly gathered around the saintly Fr. Pepe who was visibly moved by the fraternal love and affection that was shown to him.
The provincial community heartily enjoyed the program hosted by the Sacred Heart Postnovitiate Community held at the DBTI, Joy Center. Packed with songs, dances, and other exciting activities, the moment of the program was a privileged time for the confreres to simply “be themselves” to one another and enjoy the company of everyone.
Fr. Paul listened to and watched the confreres as they enthusiastically sang and danced the birthday song for him.
During the program, the jubilarians were recognized and honored by the provincial community. Those who are celebrating their golden jubilee of religious profession are the following:
- Fr. Vicente Cervania
- Fr. Emiliano Santos
- Fr. Hilario Tamonan
Those who are celebrating their silver jubilee of priestly ordination include:
- Fr. Eligio Cruz
- Fr. Jose Favie Faldas
- Fr. Rafael Galve
- Fr. Felino Gueco Jr.
- Fr. Dennis Charles Manlangit
- Fr. Gregorio Bicomong Jr.
- Fr. Rafael de la Cruz
- Fr. Arnold Sanico
- Fr. Martin Macasaet
The morning’s activities were capped by Fr. Paul’s message to the confreres. He highlighted the Rector Major’s idea of the 5 fruits of the Bicentenary Celebrations, namely:
- Happy Salesians
- Awareness of our “Belonging to God”
- Commitment to the Poor
- Enthusiastic response to the call to Educate and Evangelize
- Missionary Zeal
Lunch at the Savio Dome followed the program. After the simple meal together, some confreres went to the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to attend the 60th anniversary of the FMA presence in the Philippines. Those who chose to stay at DBTI Makati enjoyed themselves in an afternoon of fun games and other fraternal activities.
DON BOSCO KEEPS US TOGETHER!!!
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