Monday 31 January 2011: Don Bosco Day - DBYC

Tonight was the culmination of the 'I Touch' event. The new children were gathered for the 6pm mass. The church was packed and Fr. Andy spoke about the Salesian Family, both in Pasil and around the world. There was a special Our Father as all children held hands to sing the prayer. After the mass there was another parade around the streets of Pasil and Suba with the rosary being said.

Once back in the center all the children, around 300, were given a rice broth with chicken, onions and ginger and juice. After the feeding there was a variety programme. It included many different games along with performances for example from the KOA (Knights of the Altar) and the Children's Choir.

It was a great evening and hopefully some of the new children will become permanent members of the DBYC so the message of Don Bosco can be spread to many more.

Food for 300

Monday 31 January 2011: Don Bosco Day - DBTC

Today was the feast of Saint John Bosco and the start of the Intramurals for the trainees of Don Bosco Training Center Pasil. The morning began with mass in the church. Fr. Bonni's key message was that you should not let the past be an excuse for your present. Don Bosco lost his father at the age of two years old. He also lost his teacher Fr. Calosso. Finally, he lost his best friend in the seminary. However, Don Bosco did not make excuses and instead became the Father, Teacher and Friend to the young which proclaimed by Pope John Paul II in 1988 during the celebrations for Don Bosco's 100th anniversary.

Next, there was a Grand Parade through the streets of Pasil and Suba with the statue of Don Bosco. All the sections carried their own banner and there was a Sinulog band. Once back in the center there was a grand opening; the national anthem was said, the Intramural torch was lit, there were opening and inspirational talks and the oath of sportsmanship.

Statue of Don Bosco

Machine Shop Seniors

Saturday 29 January and Sunday 30 January: I-Touch Saint John Bosco

Saturday 29 January - This afternoon was the beginning of another round of 'I-Touch'. As part of the arrival of Don Bosco's relic in the Philippines in December 2010 a 'Getting to Know Don Bosco' iniative was created. The DBYC were to spread the news of Don Bosco to children in the parish and try and recruite new members. In the area of Pasil and Suba there are around 30 chapels. The DBYC children were split into groups and were each assigned a chapel. They went to the area and gathered the children. It was amazing how many young children were excited to join in with the activity.

Monday 24 January 2011: Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron of Don Bosco

Today is the feast day of Saint Francis de Sales, the patron saint of St. John Bosco.

St. Francis de Sales was born in Savoy, France, on 21 August 1567. He was ordained as Bishop of Geneva in 1602. He dedicated his life to trying to bring those in Chablais back from the Protestant faith as a result of the Reformation. He educated the Christian people and showed them that spirituality was attainable in every walk of life. He saw his mission as a pastor, simply discussing theology with the Protestants, introducing them to the love of God and ensuring for the laity that devotion was pleasant and desirable. He used extensively the printed word and promoted work and culture, treating everyone with loving kindness and unpretentious wisdom.