Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by: Aspirant Rafael Garol

Promoting religious vocation is a challenging but rewarding experience. As an Aspirant of the Salesians of Don Bosco, I had the opportunity to encourage individuals to consider a life devoted to serving others, especially to the young, and to God. Now, I will share small insights and reflections from my experience of promoting religious vocation, and how it has impacted somehow my life as someone aspiring to be a Salesian.

My batchmates with the 3^rd year aspirants went to USJR Basak Campus and ACT Bulacao where we met different kinds of students willing to listen to the life, works, and mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco. As I stood in front of the classroom, overlooking the students, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as I couldn’t believe that I am now promoting the congregation with which I grew up. Since it was my first time doing a promotion in front of many students I couldn’t help but feel nervous since I was not really used to speaking in front of many people. But as I saw that the students were willing to listen, my nervousness subsided a bit. After some time I felt more confident and I couldn’t believe that I have skills in talking and in crowd control.

I remember in one classroom in ACT, the promotion ended up in a conversation that was no longer connected to vocation promotion. It was already about Catholic teachings, and the students questioned why Catholic worship statues when it hasn’t been written in the Bible and many more curious questions. But as I listened and helped Asp. Xavier Cometa, who was my partner and more knowledgeable in this kind of topic, I saw the student’s eagerness to know something and to be enlightened. I could say that the youth of today are still thirsty in finding and understanding God. I am glad that we reach that point of interaction and conversation. It meant that we still have hope to foster the young of today to make them closer to God as they were still willing to learn.

Looking through my experience in promoting religious vocation it gave a profound impact not only to me but also to the students. It encouraged me again to consider a life of service and devotion and had brought me to rekindle again the sense of fulfillment and purpose. Additionally, I believe that the vocation promotion can potentially change the course of someone’s life, leading them to a life of meaning and fulfillment in service to others and to God. Ultimately, promoting religious vocation brought positive change and growth to me and those who seek to inspire.

by: Aspirant Butch Leonard Olayvar

As an aspirant of the Salesians of Don Bosco, who promoted a vocation to the Salesian religious life in the University of San Jose Recoletos and the Asian College of Technology in Cebu City, I have learned valuable insights and experiences that have deepened my understanding and appreciation of my religious congregation.

Throughout my time in these schools, I have come to realize the importance of being a good role model for the students. I understand that my actions and words can influence their perception of the Salesians of Don Bosco and their willingness to consider a religious vocation. I have learned that it is important to be patient, compassionate, and understanding towards the students, especially those who are struggling or facing difficult situations. During my visit to USJR and ACT, I realized that my own growth and development as a person and a future religious leader are intertwined with the growth and development of the students. By being a positive role model and mentor, I can inspire and encourage them to discover their true vocation and to live a life of service to others.

Moreover, I have discovered that sharing my personal experiences and stories about my journey towards becoming an aspirant can inspire and encourage the students to consider a religious vocation. I believe that being open and honest about my struggles, doubts, and fears can help them see that discerning a vocation is a challenging but rewarding process that requires courage, faith, and perseverance. To share my religious congregation with the students, I have shared with them the various experiences, activities and platforms in DBFC such as school events, seminary pastoral activities, the life of being an aspirant of Salesians of Don Bosco in DBFC and Social Media (Facebook Pages). I have also created online content that showcased the daily life of a Salesian aspirant, including prayer, community life, and apostolic works.

Vocation promotion in the USJR and ACT taught me valuable lessons on how to be a good role model, share my personal experiences, and utilize various platforms to spread the message of the Salesians of Don Bosco. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as an aspirant and to inspire and encourage the students to consider a religious vocation.

Choosing the right vocation is an important decision that requires careful discernment and prayer. Whether you are considering marriage, single blessedness, priestly, or consecrated life, it is important to reflect on your values, interests, and goals. Take the time to reflect on yourself on the different vocations available to you, and seek guidance from those who have personal experience with them. Remember to pray and seek guidance from God as you discern your vocation. With patience and perseverance, you can find the vocation that is right for you and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

by: Aspirant Alan Abello

February is the month of vocations here in the Archdiocese of Cebu. As a seminarian, I was very excited to experience vocation campaigns in every school since we are now in the post pandemic period and most of the protocols have already been lifted.

There were two schools which I was exposed to– the University of San Jose Recoletos Basak campus and the Asian College of Technology Bulacao Campus. As expected, students from USJR were very familiar with what vocation is and what are the types of vocation. Most students were really familiar with what I was talking about since the school is run by a religious congregation.

On the other hand, ACT Bulacao was a different situation. Before beginning our campaign, Fr. Vince SDB, who was our vocation director of the Salesians Bosco here in the Philippines South Province, told us that these students are different because they little or no idea of what vocation is and what are the types of vocation. After discussing what vocation is and introducing to them the Salesians of Don Bosco, some students raised their hands to ask questions. In ACT, I only have two classrooms since there was one group where I spent for almost an hour because a series of questions were asked and they don’t want me to leave their classroom yet because they want to know more.

As a seminarian, I really appreciate that I have the opportunity to study Religious Education subjects in the seminary because it helped me address the questions that were raised by the students, not only about vocation and religious life but also in the matters of church doctrines and anything related to the faith. I can really sense their hunger for the knowledge of the Christian faith because of their active participation and the interest they have shown.

I am thankful for this opportunity because this experience added some fuel in my desire to continue this journey being an educator of the faith. I can also feel that our young people today need more people who will accompany them and explain things to them which they need clarifications. May God grant me the grace to pursue and live Don Bosco’s dream, to produce good Christians and honest citizens.