Don Bosco Philippines South Province

Don Bosco Philippines – South (FIS). September 16, 2017
Davao City, Mary Help of Christians Parish (Calinan)

The SYM-SDB FIS had its last stop for the Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) in Mindanao District. The said formation was participated by 42 young leaders and animators from Mary Help of Christians Parish and Don Bosco Mati, Davao Oriental.

The morning session was spent giving catechesis to the 57 kids from the chapels of the parish. The young leaders and animators were divided into four groups based on the age bracket of the kids. After which, the participants gathered again and had their small group sharing about their experiences.

In the afternoon session, Mr. Eduardo Empelis Jr., SYM Senior Youth Leader deepened the theme given by the Rector Major for this pastoral year “We are Family!” through his input. He emphasized the three main points:
(a) The preparations of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in celebration for the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines in 2021
(b) The Salesian spirituality element of responsible service by reaching out to the communities as one family in relation to this year’s CBCP thrust — “Year of the Parish: Forming BECs as agents of Communion, Participation, and Mission”
(c) The spirit of encouragement to the young to participate in the life of the Church as evangelizers.

The LAF concluded with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by the FIS Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Godofredo T. Atienza, SDB and con-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Orlando Borres, SDB, MHC Parish, Rector. It was a great blessing for the youth of Calinan and Mati, for unlike the other district LAFs, Fr. Atienza, SDB was present and spent a good time observing and listening with admiration at the youth leaders and the participants.

(Contributed by: Ms. Patlyn Antonette Pañares)