Celebrating Bosconian Fellowship

January 31, 2016 was a commemorative day for the Salesian Society. It was a day to honor St. John ‘Don’ Bosco, Founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), known as the ‘Father and Teacher of the Youth’. Don Bosco’s deep love for the youth was aptly expressed by his words quoted in the programme: ‘Dear children, near or far, I am always thinking of you. My only desire is to see you happy both in this world and the next.’ This desire of St. John Bosco was attested by the 167 trainees of the Don Bosco Training Center (DBTC) who, along with the SDB community, lined up a program heaped with fun, laughter and spontaneous joy sparked by the Bosconian spirit. The SDB community composed of Frs. Rey Jude Albarando, Rex Carbilledo, Ariel Arias, and Bros. Lamberto Tena and Leo Polutan, prepared varied activities to make the Feast and Novena days a truly more meaningful celebration for the community, trainees, alumni, invited guests, and devotees of St. John Bosco.

The last three days before the Fiesta included memorable visits by the Salesian community and trainees to: Manguihay Beach for Fun Run and Beach Games; the Subangan Provincial Museum to behold and appreciate the beauty of nature the intricate culture of Davao Oriental; and an Urban-Poor Elementary School for Outreach Feeding & Sports activities for which the school administration, teachers and pupils were said to be very happy and grateful; plus Tree Planting activities within the Don Bosco Compound as their simple way of saving Mother Earth. Ballgames such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, table tennis, and badminton were noticeably participated in with much gusto. Section Savio became the over-all champion. Some students shared that “the games were not merely games for survivors or for great athletes soon to be crowned for glory and success but it was to us an experience of “brotherhood at the battle field”.

The Search for Ginoong Bosco 2016 was the highlight of the 3-day celebration. This was one of a kind since the candidates for the search showed their outstanding performances during the Talent and Q/A portions. What remarkably captivated the audience were the creative and inimitable designs of their attires. According to Fr. Rey Jude, he was really amazed by the resourcefulness and creativity of the students. It was superb! Other contests such as dance showdown, poetry and voice-conian also showcased the evening.

The procession and adult baptism took place on the 9th day, while the Fiesta day also marked the 13th Alumni Homecoming, with a Special Recruitment Activity offered to the alumni. The parish priest and SDB community superior Fr. Rey Jude presided over the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 8:00 AM. In his homily, Fr. Rey Jude pointed out that “work was one of the promises that St. John Bosco gave to his children, and the Salesian community was instrumental to fulfill the dream of our founder… indeed a great privilege to all alumni of the Don Bosco Training Center!” He also expressed the Salesian family’s gratitude to God for the gift of Don Bosco to the Church. In the evening, the Clergy and Religious, DBTC staff and other invited guests partook of a fraternal fiesta dinner, savoring of Bosconian ‘brotherly-sisterly love’. (Sr.M L.G. Alfeche, CM)