Parañaque City, the Philippines, 1 May 2021--Despite the uncertainties that exist at the present, especially the worsening pandemic we experience in this country, God still calls.

And a “forever yes” to God's call injects hope into a world full of despair.

The Salesians of Don Bosco particularly the Philippines North Province (FIN) are exceptionally glad and blessed to receive the perpetual profession of seven (7) clerics from three different countries, they are Paul Aldrin Dungca, Daniel Gonzales, Nathaniel Petate, Jose Isidro Torres (FIN), Genson Banguis (FIS), David Yan Naing Aung (MYM) and Filomeno Belo (ITM).

Following the call of the Lord, these Salesians professed their perpetual vows on the Memorial of St. Joseph, the Worker, Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco Chapel.

They took as theme "Love Yesterday, Today, & Forever (Jer. 31:3)." Though visitors were not allowed except for some confreres, the entire community gathered for the Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Philippine North Province.

In his homily, he challenged the perpetuandi to look at St. Joseph and his being a worker in relation to their living and giving witness to the evangelical counsels as they bind themselves permanently to the service of God and the Church.

“Don Bosco promised us only three things: Bread, Heaven, and Work,” Fr. Provincial said, after expounding on Don Bosco’s Dream of the Ten Diamonds with “work and temperance” as part of this meaningful legacy of St. John Bosco to the Congregation.

After the homily, the clerics stood and were asked by Fr. Gerry to declare their readiness to dedicate themselves to God and to seek perfect charity, according to the Rule and the Constitutions of the Congregation.

During the Litany of Supplication, all implored the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, while asking God to pour out His mercy upon the brothers so that they might be forever strengthened in their religious commitment.

At the profession of vows, each confrere, kneeling in front of Father Provincial, read the Formula of Profession by which he vowed to live forever the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit of the Salesian Congregation.

In the name of the Rector Major, Fr. Martin received them as confreres committed with perpetual vows with gestures of affection and brotherly words.

God still called, and they answered yes with their lives. All these newly perpetually professed Salesians are witnesses to God's faithfulness. They are true signs to all of us that despite all the uncertainty, despite all the pain and suffering, God has not abandoned us. God is still working among us by calling people to love and to serve, even when the cost is great.

Photos: JJ- Cl. John Joseph Aguila, SDB

Cl. Anthony Valence, SDB

Franco -Cl. Franko Nuwa, SDB

Tonton -Cl. Antonio Velarde, SDB