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.
