2850 Practical Training Seminar Cebu
austraLasia #2850
 

note: I'm sure people understand that a busy meeting schedule, sometime poor or non-existent connections, and travel have made regularity impossible. This situation will continue for the near future, but in the meantime.....

Nostalgic Joint Practical Trainees Seminar

Talisay, Cebu Philippines: 5 May 2011 – from April 30 to May 1, 2011, practical trainees from China Province (CIN) and Philippines South Province (FIS) gathered together at Don Bosco Retreat House near Cebu City for the joint Practical Trainees Seminar. Fr. Godofredo (Godo) Atienza, SDB, Novice Master of some of the participants when they had their novitiates a few years ago, directed this meaningful gathering of 12 young confreres - 1 Filipino, 1 American, 4 Chinese and 6 Vietnamese. They prayed, studied, ate, played, and shared their experiences and realizations during this short but engaging formative process.
    On the first day of the Seminar, Fr. George Militante, SDB, Provincial Superior of FIS welcomed them and celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the participants. He highlighted the importance and necessity of witnessing and living out to the full one’s Salesian consecration. In the mid-morning and afternoon sessions, Ms. Leah Samsom, a very close collaborator of the Salesians and a member of the Salesian Family herself, spoke of the dedication and choice of the FIS to work for Children In Conflict with Law (CICL). The input and sharing regarding Juvenile Justice opened the eyes of and enriched all the participants, especially regarding the role of the lay mission partners as well as the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, in the presentation of the education and evangelization of the CICL. The group visited Don Bosco Pasil, a vocational school and youth center and had dinner at the Don Bosco Technical Center. Fr. Honesto Geronimo, SDB, the new Rector of the Community and Novice Master of some of the participants, welcomed them as a father. They also took the opportunity to celebrate the 25th birthday of Br. John Lou of CIN.
    On the second day, the profession anniversary of three of the participants, Fr. Godo spoke of the Preventive System, popularized and lived out by Don Bosco, and its cultural and historical background. He made the talk more enriching by sharing his own personal experiences laced with humour, a sign of the cheerful and joyful Salesian. The brothers also read and reflected upon the notes from Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB, the Provincial of Philippines North Province (FIN), regarding the youth culture and situation. They also took time to swim together at Tambuli Beach Resort in Mactan Island and had sea food for dinner in SuTu Kil Restaurant.
    On May 2, Tuesday, before going back to their respective communities, the participants evaluated the seminar with Fr. Godo. Then, Fr. Andrew Fung, SDB, Vice-Provincial of CIN met the practical trainees from CIN for evaluation and gave some directions to help them improve the way they accomplish their work. He encouraged them to help in building up their own respective communities.  They responded and participated with enthusiasm and flexibility and are hopeful that they will be able to do better in their apostolate and all the more deepen and strengthen their Salesian vocation. 

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