Don Bosco Formation Center in Lawaan Talisay hosted for the 9th year the annual St. John Paul II (JP2) Cebu Communication Conference which was held last October 18-20. Organized by the Social Communications Office of the FIS Salesian Province, this year’s conference merged the 51st World Communications Day message of Pope Francis and the Strenna of the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Fr. Angel Fernandez—“The Family: Communicating Hope and Trust in Our Time.”
The 3-day event gathered together 307 participants from all over Visayas and Mindanao. They were joined by the 46 Aspirants, Novices, Nuns, and extern students of Don Bosco Formation Center who participated as facilitators and volunteers.
This year’s JP2 Conference hosted 8 workshops and 3 plenary assemblies, which commenced with the celebration of Holy Mass. The talks, including the workshops focused on the current needs of the family including family ministry, parenting, mentoring, youth culture and spirituality. A special value-based film-making workshop was given to 50 student participants from different schools. Their speaker, Mr. Hanz Florentino, a former student of Don Bosco Formation Center, provided them with a very dynamic and fun-filled experience in producing and making short videos.
Fr. Godofredo Atienza SDB, Provincial Superior of the FIS, celebrated the Holy Mass on the 3rd day. In his homily, he shared the story of the life of St. John Paul II and the current plight of the modern family.
The 9th St. John Paul II Conference culminated with a dinner where students of the film-making had the chance to show their short films. There was also a raffle draw. Fr. Amelito Racelis SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Formation Center, closed the event with an invitation for next year’s St. John Paul II Cebu Conference, which will celebrate its 10th year anniversary.
(Contributor & photos: from our correspondence)
