By Marissa B. Ancheta - sjbosco-starosa.orgsjbosco-starosa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Sower-Apr-Jun-2017... · By Marissa B. Ancheta Don Bosco was ordained on June 5, 1841. On

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Vol. 3 | Issue No. 2 APRIL - JUNE 2017

THE SALESIAN FAMILY:

Continuing the Mission of Don BoscoBy Marissa B. Ancheta

Don Bosco was ordained on June 5, 1841. On December 8 of that same year, he began his work

among the youth, as revealed to him by Blessed Virgin Mary in a prophetic dream. Many boys were attracted to his mission, which eventually led to the establishment of the Oratory. But the good saint needed help in managing the thousands of working class youth who flocked to him.

Don Bosco gathered people from all walks of life – the rich and the poor, the young and the old, married or single – to help take care of the boys. In 1859, he established the Salesian Congregation from these helpers and collaborators, now known as Salesian Society of Don Bosco (SDB), after St. Francis de Sales, whom he chose as his inspiration in his life’s work. In 1869, Don Bosco instituted

the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA). In 1872, he co-founded together with St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), a religious order for girls. In 1876, he set up the Salesian Cooperators, an association for lay people. Today, these four seminal organizations have mushroomed to more than 30 associations worldwide collectively called the SALESIAN FAMILY.

The book Salesian Family of Don Bosco describes what characterizes the Salesian Family: “The Salesian Family is a charismatic community. It therefore appears and must be lived as a gift of the Spirit to the Church and as an organized prolongation of Don Bosco’s charism to the present day. The Salesian Family is an ecclesial reality, i.e., it expresses the communion between the various elements in the service of the people of God; it integrates the particular vocations so as to make manifest the richness of the founder’s charism.”

In order to be recognized as an official group under the Salesian Family, a religious organization, an association of the lay faithful, or an institute of secular life must request for and receive the acceptance of the SDB Rector Major, acting in his capacity as Don Bosco’s successor and head of the Salesian Family.

The Salesian Educative-Pastoral

Project

Salesians of Don Bosco:In the Service of the Young

The DAUGHTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

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The Sower : The Official Newsletter of the St. John Bosco Parish & Center for Young Workers, City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Editorial

The SOWER Newsletter is published by the St. John Bosco Parish & Center for Young WorkersCity of Sta. Rosa, Laguna

website: sjbosco-starosa.org

For inquiries, comments, andsuggestions, you may reach us via:

[email protected]

fb.me/stjohnboscoparish.starosa

@stjohnbosco_sr

The Sower welcomes volunteer writers, editors, photographers, and graphic artists who wish to join in its mission to evangelize and inform. We also welcome comments, articles, photographs and artworks, but reserve the right to edit or not to publish same.

ST. JOHN BOSCO PARISH& Center for Young Workers

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editorial Adviser Fr. Richard N. Varela, SDB

Editor-in-chief Marissa B. Ancheta

Editor Nora S. Bunso

SCM CoordinatorCory Oca

Contributing Writers Susan Grace Rivera

Agnes D. SantosMindy S. Andaya Myh S. AndayaCitas Sugue

Photographers Dan S. Alvarado

Benjie V. BalarbarJoshua Giron

John Ross RazalCarlo Salvador

Design/LayoutFelix S. Pio

Charie A. RembonArnel L. EugenioAldrine Tolentino

Sharing a Common Salesian Spirit

The family is the basic unit of our society. Unfortunately, it is under siege nowadays. Dysfunctional relationships, work-life imbalance, and misguided youth, among other reasons, place many families in a pressure cooker environment.

It was not supposed to be this way. When God created the family, it was meant to be a realization of man’s inherent desire to be loved and to belong.

Don Bosco understood this very well for he grew up without a father. His father, Francesco, died when he was only two years old. He knew early on of the importance of establishing a strong family spirit at the Valdocco Oratory in Italy. He loved and guided the boys much like a father or head of the family, while his own mother, Mama Margaret, provided the nurturing mother figure.

Because of the vastness and urgency of his mission, he recruited committed individuals with the capacity to create purposeful lives for the young and the poor. Guided by faith and devotion to Mary Help of Christians, he founded various “family members” with distinct characteristics, yet linked with the same apostolic responsibility towards the young, among them: the Salesians of Don Bosco; the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (cofounded with Mary Mazzarello); and the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

These organizations served as the nucleus for Don Bosco’s Salesians and other followers to establish lay institutes, associations, and other congregations. They were inspired by Don Bosco’s life, charisma, and imbued with the Salesian family spirit. Later on, the Salesian Superiors gathered them together under the umbrella of the Salesian Family. The Salesian Family members, though autonomous from one another, foster a common Salesian spirit through pastoral charity. The Salesians of Don Bosco ( SDB ) remain the keepers of the flame ensuring that the charism of our founder is alive and relevant.

In our parish, the work for the young continues to evolve as a gift of grace. And we are blessed to have the local chapters of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), Association of Cooperators (ASC ) and the Caritas Sisters of Jesus ( SCG ) who partner with us in pursuing this charism of Don Bosco.

As the great saint once declared: “All for God and His glory, and for the salvation of souls, especially of the young.”

Fr. Roger Tamares, SDB Parish Priest

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Volume 3 : Issue No.2 | APRIL - JUNE 2017

The Salesian Educative-Pastoral Project By Cory Oca

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The Salesian Educative-Pastoral Project (SEPP) guides the process of growth of the provincial community

and the various Educative-Pastoral Communities (EPCs) in their efforts to fulfill the Salesian mission in a particular context (e.g., schools, parishes, etc.).

At its core, SEPP is concerned with all aspects of the young person: self (body, intelligence, feelings, will), relationships (with self, others, the world and God), and as an individual in society. It has a community nature, i.e., it employs communal processes for the community to generate shared criteria, goals, and guidelines for the EPC to use in developing its operational plans. It is open to its locality and recognizes the impact of its activities on it, i.e., it considers and addresses the specific needs of the parish community it serves. For instance, it forms educational alliances with other educational agencies within the locality to achieve its goal for educational transformation.

The SEPP is an operational tool, a unified dynamic process towards molding the young person into someone conformed to Christ and living in accordance with four dimensions mutually linked and complimentary to one another:

1) The Dimension of Education to the Faith guides young people towards an encounter with Jesus Christ and transforms their lives in the light of the Gospel;

2) The Dimension of Education and Culture encourages the development of all the human resources of young people, wherever they are, to open them up to the meaning of life;

3) The Dimension of Group and Social Experience enables young people to develop an intense sense of belonging to a group where they can discover the Church as the communion of believers in Christ; and

4) The Dimension of Vocation accompanies young people in discovering their individual vocation and life plan/project, committed to transforming the world according to God’s designs.

The parishes of the Salesian North Province (FIN) have finalized the following

set of shared goals to serve as guidelines for individual parishes to develop and implement detailed action plans that address each of the above Dimensions:

Goal 1 – develop and integrate faith-formation programs;

Goal 2 – develop and implement formation programs for youth and young adults promoting Salesianity as the key to confronting world issues;

Goal 3 – strengthen the parish’s youth ministry to effectively transform the young as evangelizers marked with a deep sense of belonging to the Church;

Goal 4/5 – assist young adults in discerning their role in Church life; and promote the Salesian Family as a way of holiness.

REFERENCES: 1. Salesian Parishes of the North Province, Philippines. SEPP

Directives for the North Province, Philippines. Parañaque, 2017.

2. SDB Youth Ministry Department, Rome, Italy. Salesian Youth Ministry - Frame of Reference. Italy, 2014

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Profile

Rev. Fr. Roger Tamares, SDB, Parish Priest By Mindy S. Andaya

Fr. Roger Insigne Tamares, SDB, was assigned by the

Salesian Father Provincial to St. John Bosco Parish as its rector in 2016 after five years in the Parish of Mary Help of Christians in Mayapa, Laguna. Many parishioners still remember when he was first assigned to SJBP as the parochial vicar In-Charge of Youth from 2006 to 2009.

Fr. Roger hails from Mindoro and once lived at the foot of Smokey Mountain in Manila when he was nine. He recalls that a friend invited him to join the choir in nearby St. John Bosco Parish Tondo. The choir boys would enjoy tagging along with the priests and seminarians, assisting and travelling out-of-town with them – this was his personal experience of the playground / oratory of Don Bosco. At 11, he said “Yes!” to the offer to become a priest and entered the seminary.

Since his ordination in 1994, Fr. Roger has been serving in parish communities where he came to the valuable realization that the richness of any parish lies in its regular Mass goers – the foundation of the community pastured by the Good Shepherd through the parish priest.

From his vantage point, Fr. Roger observes that SJBP’s Church servants and Mass goers form a textured mix of society, as the parish

comprises both affluent villages and working-class barangays. While one cannot easily eliminate the differences among social strata, going to church is a great leveler. Here, the poor and the well-off worship and work side-by-side in nearly perfect accord.

Fr. Roger cites the many lessons he has learned in SJBP: “Ang mga may-kaya ang dapat “yumuko” dahil ang mahihirap kailangan pang tumingkayad para umabot sa iba –kaya nga sila kapos-palad. Ang mga may-kaya, kapag yumuko, walang mawawala at baka may matutunan pa sila.” (Those who are well-off should be the one to “bend down” to the poor who would have to stand on tiptoe to reach others – which is why they are called the “less fortunate.” The privileged who bend for others easily, have nothing to lose and might even gain from the experience) while the poor have insecurities to

overcome. [Ultimately, all can share in the richness of Church life.] We’re not talking about money here but of the richness of interaction in an undivided Christ-centered community (Church Ecclesia).

Fr. Roger admits that balancing his roles as a shepherd and as a parish administrator can be quite tricky. He was trained and formed to be a “servant of servants” all his life, so being a pastor comes easy. But, as with other parish priests, he also has responsibilities

as an administrator who must rely on the capability and fidelity of lay volunteers to attend to the numerous tasks and activities of the parish.

“The parish priest is, first and foremost, the keeper of the liturgy, sacraments, and devotion in the parish.” One of his other tasks is to align all the ministries – and this is challenging! For instance, the Worship Ministry comprises representatives of the different ministries involved in the liturgical celebration (Mass). At the end of the day, you should not see the parish priest busily directing the Masses, rather you should simply witness the coming together of the lay liturgical ministers (lectors, commentators, Eucharistic Ministers, usherettes and KOA) as they solemnly and competently perform their roles in the highest form of giving glory to God.

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Fr. Remo Bati, SDB – The Don Bosco WayBy Citas Sugue

Fr. Ting Miciano, SDB – Dream Come True By Nora S. Bunso

WELCOME TO OUR NEW SHEPHERDS!

Who can best exemplify St. John Bosco in the Philippines but Rev. Fr.

Remo Bati, SDB? Born in Manila, on March 10, 1940, Fr. Bati is one of the first Filipino Salesians. Fittingly, he was ordained in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, Italy, on April 06, 1968.

Fr. Bati is an avid writer and an artist. Among his books is a compilation of interviews of Salesian priests, brothers, sisters, lay Cooperators, and DB Alumni whose lives were touched by the Salesian pioneers who founded the Philippine North Province (FIN) – an “Oral History,” as he calls it. Pinoys on the Move contains success stories of Filipino OFWs in Italy where Fr. Bati spent several years ministering to our kababayans; while a special

Anniversary Edition of Mary Help of Christians in the Philippines features the local churches and chapels where her image is enthroned.

The former Vice Rector and Director for Marian Affairs in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Parañaque is also a member of the Exorcist Team of the Archdiocese of Manila, and was the Rector/parish priest of the Salesian parish of San Ildefonso for nine years.

With his talents, dedication, and enthusiasm in everything that he does, Fr. Bati keeps the Salesian spirit burning wherever he goes.

As he would often say, “Ito po si Fr. Bati na sa inyo’y bumabati.” Welcome to SJB Sta. Rosa, Fr. Bati, and show us how to live and love the Don Bosco way.

Long before Fr. Romeo Agustin Ma. G. Miciano Jr., SDB, was assigned to St.

John Bosco Parish in Sta. Rosa, he would speak of our parish as his “dream home.” Thus, when he learned of his new “obedience” last May, he happily looked forward to the peace and quiet; the respite from incessant traffic; the clean, green and open spaces; and most especially, the friendly and supportive parish community.

Fr. Ting has had many choices to choose his dream home from, having lived in a variety of Salesian settings since his ordination on December 8, 1990: as a teacher in Don Bosco schools in Tarlac, Cebu, and Negros; as a missionary, high school principal,

and college dean in Papua New Guinea; as Parish priest of SJB Parish in Makati, and most recently, as the Administrator and Economer of San Ildefonso Parish, also in Makati.

Born on the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption, Fr. Ting is known for his devotion to the Blessed Mother, his keen involvement in the Family and Life Ministry and pro-life causes; his memorable homilies, and his musicality – from playing lead guitar in a band with other seminarians to performing as a tenor in successful fund-raising concerts.

We look forward to sharing in these graces. Welcome to your “dream parish,” Fr. Ting!

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Salesian Family Feature

Salesians of Don Bosco:In the Service of the Young

. . . continued on page 10

St. John Bosco founded the Salesian Congregation on December 18, 1859 at Turin-Valdocco, Italy. Under

the official name of Pious Society of St. Francis de Sales, which had initially 17 members in addition to Don Bosco. Don Bosco called its members “Salesian” because its special Patron Saint is St. Francis de Sales whose characteristic virtues of charity and kindness he wanted the members to emulate.

Today, there are 30,000 Salesian priests and brothers in 130 countries, currently the second largest congregation for men in the Catholic Church. It is headed by Rector Major Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime who was elected by the 27th general chapter on March 25, 2014. He is the 10th successor of Don Bosco making him the superior of the Salesian society and center of unity of the Salesian Family.

The activities of the SDB include three major components:

a. Directly educative - The work of the Salesians is directed above all to young people through oratories, youth centers, schools, professional centers, boarding school, and houses for young people in universities, catechetical and pastoral centers.Don Bosco once said, “I have vowed my life to these poor little outcasts. It is God’s will; the path He has traced out for me.” That path endures today guided by the preventive system of education.

b. Directly evangelizing - There are thousands of parishes entrusted to the Salesians woldwide. The congregation began its mission through catechism classes and is now committed to the new

evangelization in the modern world.

c. Directly missionary - There are thousands of Salesians working in various missionary territories in five continents. Salesian missionaries are involved in infrastructure and capacity building, health services, refugee camps, youth clubs, and food service programs.

In Article 2 of their Constitution, all Salesians of Don Bosco are committed “to carry out the founder’s apostolic plan in a specific form of religious life: to be in the church signs and bearers of the love of God for young people, especially those who are poor.”

Therefore, a Salesian priest is described as “a spiritual leader trained to tune in to the needs and

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Celebrating the Feast of Mary Help of Christians and the

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of JesusBy Susan Grace Rivera

At a young age, I was already a devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus due to my father’s influence. I believe the many graces and blessings we receive are the fulfillment of the Sacred Heart’s promises.

“Mary Help of Christians (MHC) is a sure refuge! With her intercession, I feel safe, no matter how grave the temptation is.”

(Jo Villaranda, ALS Teacher, Santa Rosa Estates 2)

“‘My Mama Help of all Christians, protect me, guide me, give me courage, and lead me to your Son so I can be like Him. Amen.’ I have been praying this since I lost my Mom when I was 18. Since Grade 6, I have been in love with MHC because of the Salesian sisters.”

(Fely Ramos, BEC Leader/Catechist, Mesa Homes)

“MHC was the Virgin I learned to call as my mother ever since I entered the seminary. I was homesick then and badly needed a

Jo, Fely and, Fr. Rolo are but three of millions of Catholics around the world whose devotions have helped them persevere in their spiritual journeys as they live lives rich in triumphs and trials.

In 1571, Pope Saint Pius V included the invocation “Help of the Christians” in the “Litany of Loreto” in gratitude to MHC, to whose intercession he attributed the naval victory of Christians over Muslim forces in the Battle of Lepanto. Centuries later, Pope Pius VII also thanked Our Lady for her intercession by establishing her feast on May 24, the day he triumphantly returned to Rome in 1814 after being imprisoned by Napoleon Bonaparte.

The devotion to MHC inspired Saint John Bosco – our patron and the founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) – to build the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians in Turin, Italy (consecrated in 1868).

May 24: Feast of Mary Help of Christians

JUNE 23, 2017: The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

mother figure. She came to my life when I most needed the affectionate and consoling love of a mother.”

(Fr. Rolo Alcasid, SDB, former SJB Parish priest)

Established even earlier than this Marian devotion is the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Her Son, Jesus on which has a rich and, at some point, controversial history from the 11th to the 19th century. In 1856, Pope Pius IX established the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which has since been celebrated by the whole Church on the Friday of the Octave of Corpus Christi (June 23, this year).

Our floral offerings, public prayers, devotions to Mary and other saints, and acts of

consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, along with other religious practices, are clear reflections of our Faith as it integrates with our unique culture as Filipinos. Like Jo, Fely, and Fr. Rolo, our daily devotions must bring us back to our relationship with God and His great love for us. We pray for the grace to respond to His love beyond rites and rituals by living our lives with simplicity, humility, and deep “caring with action” for each other and all of creation, especially the poor and marginalized.

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HOLY WEEK LITURGYHOLY WEEK DEVOTION

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HOLY WEEK DEVOTION

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You cannot imagine how our hearts pounded with joy. It was a confirmation that Mary, Mother par excellence, has shown us the golden thread of our lives. That we continue working for the families of the world, through our Focolare Family and

I normally don’t add personal photos to my column, but for now allow me to share some from a trip to Rome, Italy, some months back. Imagine my joy as Fred and I entered the Church in Castelgandolfo for Mass when we were pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by these images below of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians.

through our Salesian Family! Some reflections on the family: In

Amoris Laetitia #30, we read: “Every family should look at the Holy Family of Nazareth. It had its burdens and even nightmares as when they met with Herod’s implacable violence.

Like Mary, our families are asked to face challenges with courage and serenity in good times and in bad. The treasury of Mary’s heart contains the experiences of every family, which she cherishes. She can help us understand the meaning of these experiences, to reflect on God’s message ‘of love,’ which He wishes to communicate through our families.”

By Agnes Datu-Santos

Salesians of Don Bosco: In the Service of the Young

. . . continued from page 6

interests of the young who pays attention to their particular craving for understanding, love and guidance. Always young at heart.”

Seven “forever young” priests celebrated the golden jubilee of their first temporary vow as Salesians of Don Bosco on June 29, 2017. Of the 27 young men in their original batch, 5 are with FIN (Philippine North Province); 2 are missionaries in Cambodia and Thailand; and one is a Bishop in the Visayas – all bound to the Lord’s service before God and His Church.

Congratulations and God Bless to the jubilarians:

1. Fr. Angel Baldonado, SDB - Don Bosco Pre-Novitiate Seminary, Canlubang, Laguna;

2. Most Rev. Patricio Buzon,SDB - Bishop of Bacolod, Negros Occidental;

3. Fr. Ben Cavestany, SDB - St. Dominic Savio, Mandaluyong;

4. Fr. Ernie Cruz, SDB - Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Parañaque;

5. Fr. Ronald Ocampo, SDB - Don Bosco Technical Institute, Tarlac;

6. Fr. Salvador Pablo, SDB - Don Bosco TVET Center, Calauan, Laguna;

7. Fr. Richard Varela, SDB - St. John Bosco, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

(This article features excerpts from the book The Salesian Family of Don Bosco and info from www.salesianmission.org)

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The DAUGHTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS(Condensed from Salesian publications)

By Myh Andaya

While walking in their village in Mornese, Italy, one day, Mary Mazzarello was

puzzled to see a building set in the midst of the field, with a courtyard where many girls were playing and laughing with nuns. Then a voice said to her, “I entrust them to you.”

Meanwhile, in Turin, Don Bosco had a similar dream. Strangely, he found himself with a crowd of mostly poor girls who rushed to him and tugged at his cassock. The same voice said to him, “These are my daughters, take care of them.”

Mary decided to devote herself to the education of young girls. Many working girls in the city were at risk for juvenile prostitution. She wished to teach them a trade, to save them from the dangers of street life.

With the guidance of Fr. Dominico Pestarino who was training as a Salesian of Don Bosco, Mary joined fourteen other young women to live a rudimentary religious life in a small cottage near the church. They would gather the village girls during the day to teach them

religion, sewing, and cooking. The rest of their time was spent in in prayer like nuns. Don Bosco drew up the first rules of the community in 1867.

In July 1872, their community was officially founded as “The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA).” Sister Mary Mazzarello became its first Mother

General.

Education was and still is the congregation’s way and means of evangelization.

Today, in more than 90 countries, every FMA sister continues to dedicate her life to God for the young, the poor, and the marginalized in ways that are adapted to the current environment.

Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC): Lay People who live the Salesian Values

As his work developed, Don Bosco became aware of the growing need for cooperators (mainly composed of lay people and a few

priests) connected to the Salesian mission. He therefore founded an autonomous pious association with its own regulations, which was approved by the Pope on May 9, 1876. Thus, was born the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC).

Every cooperator is called to live the mission of the Church with a Salesian Spirit, but each one lives the apostolic commitment in a way that fits in with his or her family and professional responsibilities, talents, attitudes, gifts of grace received, formation, and even state of

health – “bringing everywhere a special concern for needy young people.”

There are three dimensions to the apostolate of the cooperators namely: personal witness through a lifestyle characterized by the spirit of the Beatitudes; Christian animation of the affairs of the world by living the Gospel values in the family, and their relationship with others; and collaboration in the pastoral activities of the Church by means of initiatives that give priority to youth pastoral work and the educative apostolate.

Reference: The Salesian Family of Don Bosco, Direzione Generale Opere Don Bosco, Rome, Italy, 2000.

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians form the religious family originated from the heart of Don Bosco and from the creative fidelity of Mary Domenica Mazzarello.

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SJBP Celebrates the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians By Marissa B. Ancheta

On May 24, SJB Parish celebrated the Feast Day of our patroness, Mary Help of Christians. Fr. Ting Miciano presided over the Mass with Fr. Roger Tamares and Fr. Richard Varela as concelebrants. Later, a procession was held in her honor at Barangay Malamig.

SJBP’s Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), with the support of the Worship Ministry, organized the feast-day activities. (See “Celebrating the Feast of Mary Help of Christians and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on pg.7)

For Don Bosco, Mary is the powerful Helper who defends the Church and the Pope from every kind of danger. He said, “Human

mothers never abandon their children. So it is with Mary who loves her children with such tenderness that she will not fail to protect them in their last moments when the need is greatest.”

This special devotion has spread throughout the Catholic world, thanks in great measure to the work of the Salesians.

The Flores de Mayo is a religious tradition of offering flowers to Mary throughout the month of May. It culminates in a motorcade with sagalas and their escorts.

For this year, it was held in Barangay Don Jose with pretty sagalas aged 15-20 years old designated with titles from the Litany of Loreto namely Queen of Patriachs, Queen

of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Families, Queen of Peace, Virgin Most

Prudent, Virgin Most Venerable, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church, Mother of Divine Grace, Mother Most Pure, Mother Most Chaste, Mother of Mercy,

Mother Most Amiable, Most Admirable, Mother of Good Counsel, Mother of our Savior and Help of Christians.

Eight little girls represented angels carrying the letters AVE MARIA.

After the procession, the sagalas and their escorts rode in a motorcade to the SJB Parish church for the culminating Mass presided over by Fr. Richard Varela.

The other barangay chapels of the parish held their own Flores de Mayo processions.

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ASSOCIATION OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) was the second official group

established by Don Bosco. The saint connected ADMA’s activities with commitments easily fulfilled by lay people for the spirituality and mission of the Salesian Congregation. Committed to encouraging the worship of the Blessed Sacrament and spreading the devotion to Mary Help of Christians (MHC), ADMA has grown worldwide. Today, all its chapters in the world are linked as a single association and member of the Salesian Family.

The ADMA chapter of SJBP, Sta. Rosa, was formed in 2014. Since then, its members have been holding regular meetings, undergoing continual formation, commemorating MHC’s feast day every 24th of the month, regularly attending Salesian Family gatherings and ADMA National Conventions. By early 2015, 12 images of MHC were distributed to as many villages and barangays of the parish to propagate the devotion. The pioneering group of 14 members was inducted on September 24, 2015. It now has 17 members and 2 new recruits. The number of MHC images distributed

has likewise increased to 16. SJBP’s ADMA gained official recognition as a chapter last April 2017.

ADMA is in charge of the activities held in celebration of the feast day of Mary Help of Christians every May 24, as well as the Flores de Mayo devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Flowers and school supplies (for public school children) were offered during the Masses last May. ADMA’s May activities culminate with the Sagala procession and a Grand Mass.

The Suore della Carita Di Gesu (SCG) – also called the Caritas Sisters of Jesus – was co-founded by Fr. Antonio Cavoli, SDB, and Msgr. Vincent Cimatti, SDB, in Miyazaki,

Japan, on August 15, 1937. Starting with two sisters professed in January 1939, the new congregation faced terrible hardships due to the war (1941-1945). However, they persevered though extreme poverty and suffering while caring for the poor and abandoned and, by the end of the war, there were 18 professed sisters and 5 novices. Officially recognized as members of the Salesian Family on January 24, 1986, there are currently 1000 SCG sisters of various nationalities in 15 different countries, fulfilling their mission to spread the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Their mission in the Philippines began in 1992 when two sisters were asked to set up a school in a new developing community in Biñan, Laguna. The Caritas Don Bosco School (CDBS) started with three Caritas sisters and two lay teachers holding classes for 21 co-ed preschoolers in the multi-purpose hall of one of the new

subdivisions, Sta Rosa Village I. Today, eight buildings, two to three- storeys high, and an ark-shaped chapel comprise the campus with almost 1,500 students from Levels K to 12.

Guided by the Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan (SEPP), the sisters teach their wards to “direct their hearts and hands towards helping others” and live by the motto, “I Love, Therefore I Serve.” Over the past two decades, we have witnessed the profound influence of St. John Bosco on the formation of our youth. Many of the young faces we see in CDBS, we also see in SJBP serving during Mass, participating in Parish activities, or being actively involved in projects of the Youth Ministry. Such formation provides a strong foundation for their continuing growth through all stages in life.

A common dream shared by the Caritas Sisters of Jesus in the Philippines (which currently includes five Japanese and one Filipino sister) is to see more Filipinos joining their congregation.

Suore della Carita di GesuBy Cory Oca


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News Brief

Selected parish youth recently reached an important spiritual milestone by receiving the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation. The Parish sponsored forty kids for their First Holy Communion and fifty-three youth for confirmation during the Kumpilang Bayan.

To prepare the first communicants spiritually, Sis. Marie Bacierto held a two-day catechism about the significance of the Eucharist and the sacrament of Reconciliation. Sis.

Annual Parochial Services

KASALANG PAROKYA

First Communion Confirmation

SJB Parish priest Fr. Roger Tamares, SDB, officiated the nuptial mass for four couples who had decided to tie the knot during the merry month of May.

Prior to the day of the Kasalang Parokya last May 20, the couples underwent a canonical interview and attended the pre-Cana seminar, as required by the Catholic Church.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to the newlyweds:

Mr. James Marlow and Mrs. Leilani Andrade, Mr. Rolando and Mrs. Mhanilyn Dungao,

Mr. Deniz and Mrs. Mary Rose Parami, Mr. Rufil and Mrs. Ma. Cristina Giray.

Regalinda Dicen discussed the seven gifts and the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit in a separate seminar attended by the confirmants, their parents and sponsors.

Fr. Roger Tamares, SJB Parish priest, and Msgr. Jerry Bitoon celebrated the Masses.

The Parish hopes that, with these activities, the youth will have a better understanding of the Catholic Faith and be inspired to lead a life of holiness.

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Health Desk

Social Action Ministry

Distribution of School Supplies

The Outreach Desk of the Social Action Ministry (SAM) distributed school supplies to

700 kids in Barangay Malamig, Sto. Domingo, Don Jose, Kampo, and Kawad in time for the opening of classes.

The children, ages 4 to 13,

received writing pads, composition and spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, sharpeners, rulers, short and long folders, craft and plastic envelopes, art paper, and pencil cases.

SJB parishioners availed of 400 bookmarks with pledges to

donate school supplies to the five barangays, and raised approximately Php 100,000.

The distribution of school supplies was spearheaded by the Outreach Desk lead volunteers: Ruby Garcia, Arcel Romero, Joy Danao, and Adet Saullo.

Cancer Awareness TalkBy Marissa B. Ancheta

The Health Desk of the Social Action Ministry held a breast cancer awareness talk by Dr. Enrico Tangco, radiation oncologist at the Asian Hospital and Medical City Pasig. He described the profile of the disease, available diagnostic tests and

various treatment options. Dr. Tangco also discussed how to reduce the risk factors by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He is shown here with the participants who are carrying breast self-exam shower cards, which were given away during the talk.

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The Sower : The Official Newsletter of the St. John Bosco Parish & Center for Young Workers, City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna Volume 3 : Issue No.2 | APRIL - JUNE 2017

ConfessionsEveryday after Mass upon request, every Friday during Adoration

Pre-Jordan Seminar (preparation for baptism) Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month

Baptism Interview of parents who were not married to each other in Catholic Church rites. 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Celebration every Sunday except the 2nd Sunday of the month, 11:30 a.m.

Pre-Cana Seminar (preparation for weddings) First Saturday of the month. By appointment.

Weddings (Canonical interview)- 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. Celebration - Tuesday to Saturday in the following timeslots: 9:00 a.m. • 11:00 a.m. • 3:00 p.m.

House or company blessing/sick call/funeral Mass: Please make requests in person. Phone calls or text messages will not be accepted.

1st Sunday: San Jose Village 3, Phase 6 - 10:30 a.m.

MASSES IN VILLAGES, ONCE A MONTH:

R E G U L A R P A R I S H S C H E D U L E S

For inquiries or concerns, you may contact the Parish Office (049) 541-1134 / 502-2897

or visit us during our office hours: Tuesday thru Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(Lunchbreak is from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.) The office is closed every Monday

* Anticipated Mass.

HOLINESS IN THE SALESIAN FAMILYFr. Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, has edited a publication

featuring “a tradition of holiness of men and women who let the distinctive light of the Salesian charism shine brightly.”

As of today, the Salesian Family’s heritage of sanctity includes 9 saints, 117 Blessed, 12 Venerable and 28 Servants of God. Here are the nine Salesian saints

San Calisto Caravario

Mazzarello San Guiseppe Cafasso

San Leonardo Murialdo

San Luigi Guanella

San Luigi OrioneSan Luigi VersigliaSan Domenico Savio

(for the complete list, check out www.sdb.org).

ViPH

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ViPH

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Santa Domenica

ViPH

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ViPH

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San Giovanni Bosco

Documents

By Marissa B. Ancheta - sjbosco-starosa.orgsjbosco-starosa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Sower-Apr-Jun-2017... · By Marissa B. Ancheta Don Bosco was ordained on June 5, 1841. On