FIS Marks Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine
by: CYM correspondence
The Salesian Family and the youth of the FIS province gathered at Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu to celebrate the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine. The event, themed “Walking Together in Don Bosco’s Dream,” brought together 250 participants to reflect on shared values, community, and purpose-driven service, culminating a year-long commemoration of the dream that shaped Don Bosco’s mission.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB, who urged the attendees to become bearers of hope. He encouraged everyone to point others to Christ, trust in God’s presence, and show love through meaningful actions, setting the tone for the day’s reflection and activities.
During breaks, participants explored various interactive booths, including the Salesian Family Booth, CYM and SYM Booths, the DBFC Aspirants’ Booth, and the DBTC College students’ booth. The booths featured artworks, games, and creative reflections on Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine, creating spaces for interaction, learning, and fun.
Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB, led a reflection on the significance of Don Bosco’s dream and the deeper meaning of dreaming as “pangarap”—aspirations that inspire hope for the future. This was followed by presentations from Mr. Daryl Torreon on his Salesian Youth Synod Experience and Fr. Rooney John G. Undar, SDB, on the Final Document of the Salesian Youth Synod 2024. The document captured the youth’s dreams for themselves, the Church, and society, and the Salesian Youth Movement alongside the decalogue of the Salesians and FMAs to guide them.
A pivotal moment of the day was the “Tree of Dreams” activity, where participants selected priority dreams and commitments from the Synod Final Document to pursue within their communities and in the province. These dreams and commitments were symbolically placed on the Tree of Dreams. The symbolic gestures were deepened during a ceremonial pinning, as young people honored Salesians for their dedicated service, and Salesians reaffirmed their commitment to accompanying the youth in their journeys.
The event concluded with a community dance to “In the Shape of Your Dream,” the Salesian Youth Synod’s theme song. After lunch, carolers from various settings performed, and participants enjoyed fun games organized by Fr. Adriano Satura, SDB, capping the celebration with joy and camaraderie.
FIS’ Bicentenary Celebration of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine stood as a testament of the power of shared dreams and collective action. It inspired participants to walk together in hope and love, committed to continuing Don Bosco’s mission for the young.
