SIGNS OF THE RETURN TO DON BOSCO…
NAGA CITY, Philippines: May 10 2008 – From May 4-9 2008, the Vocations Animation Office of the Philippine North Province, headed by a Salesian Brother, Br. Raymond Callo, SDB (outgoing vocation director), organized a Vocation Camp. It was held at Don Bosco Center of Spirituality, Carolina, Naga City, 8-9 hours drive south of Manila. Twenty-four candidates for the Aspirantate and coming from different Salesian Houses journeyed together at Don Bosco Center of Spirituality at the foot of the majestic Mt. Isarog. Together with Br. Raymond were Fr. Gerry Martin (the incoming new Vocation Animation Delegate of FIN as Br. Mon ends his term), Cl. Arvin Abatayo (theology student), Br. Jomar Castillo (philosophy student), and Miss Lissa Cruz, a member of the Yuppeace, a volunteer group of FIN.
The week was filled with various activities such as vocation discernment, Salesianity and bonding activities. This event is part of the vocation ministry program of the FIN. The camp provided opportunities for interaction, relating and working with each other as a batch using their talents and leadership skills in a lived experience of community. It also caters to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Don Bosco's life and mission in relation to their lives. Lastly, it guided them into a personal, intimate and felt experience of God that will assist them greatly in their discernment of God's will and their desires.
It was not only days of
reflection and sharing but also
days of fun, games and knowing the historical, religious and cultural
richness
of Naga City where the Salesian Parish and Training Center (Training Center and Our
Lady of Mount Carmel Parish) is located.
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Of historical note: Before the Salesians established themselves in the
Philippines in 1951, Archbishop Guglielmo Piani sdb (titular archbishop
of Nicosia), was appointed Apostolic delegate to the Philippines in
1922. It was he who, in this capacity, solemnly crowned the image of
Nuestra Señora de Peña de Francia in the Naga City Church
which was constructed in 1711.
