Cebu City, The Philippines, 26 April 2024 -- The Salesians of the Philippines South Province celebrated the Provincial Assembly Day on the 24th of April, hosted by the Salesian Community of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was attended by more than 60 Salesians and novices who hailed from the different settings of the FIS. It was also coincidentally the celebration of the 59th birthday of the Provincial Superior, Fr. Fidel Orendain, SDB.
The whole event focused on the Rector Major’s Strenna, “The Dream that Makes You Dream”, with an emphasis on vocation promotion. A reading and reflection of the Strenna kicked off the event where the Salesians shared their own dreams in line with Don Bosco’s. During the Holy Mass, Fr. Arturo Sanchez, SDB, provincial emeritus, offered his own reflection on the need for the province to double its effort for the promotion of Salesian vocations.
The lunch program was made lively with song presentations by the novices and the brothers in practical training. Fr. Adriano Satura, SDB, provincial economer, hosted a game of “family feud” where the Salesians were treated with a fun-filled display of wit and strategy.
Fr. Fidel gave a talk on the importance of community as the key to success in the life and apostolate of every Salesian. Each Salesian house was given an image of Mama Margaret to remind them that it was her who supported Don Bosco fulfill his dream from age nine. The day closed with all Salesians praying over Fr. Fidel as he is halfway through his term as Provincial Superior of the FIS and him returning the blessing to the provincial community.
The Provincial Assembly Day is an opportunity for the Salesians to gather around the Provincial as the center of unity in the province. It is a time of rest and communion among Salesians.
