PARANAQUE (Philippines): January 29, 2005 -- In view of commemorating the feast of St. John Bosco, on January 31, today the students of Don Bosco Centre of Studies (DBCS) gathered together in its 21st anniversary to give thanks to the Lord for the gift of St. John Bosco.

    DBCS is comprises three institutes: Institute of Theological Formation (ITF),Institute of Catechetics and Youth Ministry (ICYM), and Institute of Spirituality and Salesian Studies (ISSS). This centre of studies is being considered by our superiors as one of the centres of theological formation for Salesians of East Asia Oceana region.
    The Festivity began with the Mass at 8:30 am, at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. The mass was
presided over by Fr. Celestino Lingad, JR., SDB, rector of Center of Studies. In his homily, Fr. Lingad said that Don Bosco`s charism is now being shared and reaches out to every corner of the Philippines through the forming of many good shepherds, who have come to DBCS to study from different Congregations.
    The focal point for the festivity this year was the presentation that was made by a group of volunteers,
who went to Infanta - Quezon province, a town hit by Typhoons last November, in order to bring some
relief goods, and above all "listening ears and open hearts" for the people, who are still homeless and
suffering. After the presentation, all students were asked to break into small group of three or four in order to share what they felt and what God wants to tell to them in that very moment.

    The atmosphere of sharing was so lively and meaningful. Each one shared his/her sentiments, their wishes and dreams in order to be one with those who are suffering from natural disasters.
    The activities were over around 12:00 noon, followed by lunch in that joyful and family spirit which
Don Bosco had dreamed of having in each Salesian house.

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