Don Bosco Formation Center, Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu, 06 August 2021 -— On the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we, the Christ-like Novices made our First Religious Profession and had our Solemn Investiture in conclusion of their Salesian novitiate year. The new Salesians are:

1. Cl. Keiyth Joemarie B. Bernales, SDB (FIS – Philippines South)

2. Cl. John Hein Htet Aung, SDB (MYM – Myanmar)

3. Cl. Sa Christopher, SDB (MYM – Myanmar)

4. Cl. Nicholas Naw Seng Hpring, SDB (MYM – Myanmar)

5. Cl. Cyrill Jess L. Lumibao, SDB (FIN – Philippines North)

6. Br. Roel Jude L. Mallari, SDB (FIN – Philippines North)

Rev. Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB, the Provincial Superior of the Philippines-South Province, presided at the Mass and accepted our first profession.

“In the midst of uncertainty and doubt,” said Fr. Fidel in his homily, “our celebration of religious profession is a gust of fresh air; it is a declaration that there is a God who loves, a God who cares, and a God who transforms us.”

Towards the end of the Mass, Cl. Keiyth Bernales, SDB delivered a thanksgiving speech on behalf of the other newly professed Salesians. He shared words of thanksgiving to all those present for the support, prayers, and accompaniment they all received during the past years of their formation.

Unfortunately, under the circumstances in which the country is with the threat of the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, the community of the Don Bosco Formation Center opted to close its gates to all outsiders, even in what would have been a celebration graced by many other Salesian confreres, members of the Salesian Family, the young people, and the benefactors.

We see and realize the fidelity of God as He continues to send more men to and be for the Church and the young people signs and bearers of His great love, and it is only by His grace that we are able to respond and to persevere. Indeed, Jesus’ words to St. Paul still remain true: My grace is enough for you!