Don Bosco Philippines South Province

October 5 was World Teachers Day. The day for teachers however was eclipsed by the ongoing crisis in northern Cebu caused by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake from a then-unknown fault offshore Bogo City. But even with this, teachers continue their service.

A group of educators from one of our schools spent the day bringing aid to one of their own who lived in the far north. Despite the heavy traffic caused by the congestion of all roads leading to the north, they braved the long lines and hours to show solidarity. The same spirit of sacrifice was once shown when they had to find their way through the dark caused by the uncertainties of the COVID pandemic of 2019.

Salesian educators are truly one of the best.

My own experience of my Salesian educators were one of passion, self-giving, and self-sacrifice. I have seen my teachers spend extra hours in school when we had big events and when we were preparing a musicale. I salute best those who were strict with us, imposed discipline, and set high standards. Without that tough love, we would not be who we are. These were the teachers who were not popular but their fruits are known to ripe over time.

Now sharing the mission of Salesian education, I have come to a more mature understanding of the lives of teachers. It is not just a profession but a real mission and vocation. Even today I know of educators who continue to burn themselves like candles for young people just like St. John Bosco. To all of you, thank you!

There are however some isolated cases of licensed teachers pretending to be educators. Pretend, because despite the science of pedagogy, their heart is not really in mentoring and shepherding. Rather, they spend time exploiting the naivete of youth for their agenda, as if turning youth into their image and likeness.

“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit… The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:1,10)

I have seen for myself how teachers tolerate bad behavior, encourage bad speech, indulge in vices with their students, and teach contrary to morals in the classroom. They made themselves popular and can sometimes rally their students for their own wicked motives. Centered on themselves, they appear cool and follow trends and fashion, but they are not Christ-like. They don’t pass through the gate. They steal, kill and destroy.

Salesian educators are shepherds of the One True Shepherd, Jesus Christ. If we don’t pass through the Gate we cannot call ourselves shepherds and educators. Jesus is the Gate, His are the sheep.

I am blessed to have good shepherds, many Salesian educators, who have helped me find my own vocation and taught me the path of the Gospel. I am still more blessed to have encountered a few contrary examples so I can also warn myself not walk the wrong path.

Disclaimer: This section of the website is a personal creative writing of the author and does not necessarily reflect the official views, opinion, or policies of the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippines South Province. For concerns on the content, style, and grammar of this piece, please contact us.