3430 A new heart ..
austraLasia #3430

 

A new heart ...
Salesian Brother forever
CANLUBANG: 12 May 2014 -- On the eve of Good Shepherd Sunday and the 51st World Day of Prayer for Vocations, FIN province received a gift from the Lord through Bro. Jose Maria V. Castillo, SDB, a Salesian Brother who made his Perpetual Profession at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, the very house of worship where he used to serve Mass as a teenager, and later on as a high school student when the Seminary complex opened its gates to high school students in 1998.

Bishop Pat Buzon, SDB, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Kabankalan, attended, together with about a hundred Salesians. Among them were about 30 Salesian Brothers from the FIN, FIS and other provinces within the EAO region. Some FMAs and ASCs also witnessed the event.

His family, troves of young people from his places of apostolate, his former classmates and students, teachers and mentors also came.

Fr Eligio Cruz, SDB, provincial of the FIN province, presided at the Mass and received Bro. Jomar's vows in the name of the Rector Major. In his homily, Fr Eli took the opportunity of highlighting the unique vocation and mission of the Salesian Brother. Likewise, he challenged Bro. Jomar to be always with God who is the source of the love that he shares as he dedicates himself forever to poor young people.

Br Jomar chose the theme “…a new heart” from Ezekiel 36:26, inspired by the initiative of God giving his people an interiority that is susceptible to, and animated by God’s intention. This is his prayer as he continues the journey in this loving encounter with the Lord who calls.

In his speech, he thanked the many people who have been part of his journey as a Salesian and asked those present to continue praying for him to be a faithful and holy Salesian Brother.

Bro Jomar hails from Canlubang where he studied at both FMA and SDB schools during his primary and secondary studies. He joined the seminary after his high school and finished his university degree while undergoing his prenovitiate formation. He belonged to the first batch of Salesian Brothers to undergo the biennium program for Salesian Brothers in Parañaque. After his perpetual profession, Bro. Jomar will be assigned to the Don Bosco Postnovitiate in Canlubang as a member of the formation team.

The Salesian Brother vocation in the Philippines is now growing with five Salesian brothers in initial formation.