Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by: Cl. Christian Jude Baring, SDB

LAWAAN, Cebu – Three Salesian novices professed their first religious vows as members of the Salesians of Don Bosco during the Eucharistic celebration held on the Solemnity of St. John the Baptist on June 24, 2026 at the Shrine of St. John Bosco the Dreamer.

Christian Jude P. Baring (FIS), Mario G. Betinol Jr. (FIS) , and Naoki Dobashi (GIA) formally made their First Religious Profession before Rev. Fr. Amelito Narciso Racelis, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Philippine South Province, who received their vows on behalf of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The vows, made for one year in accordance with the Salesian Constitutions, marked the novices’ public commitment to live the evangelical counsels of obedience, poverty, and chastity in the spirit of St. John Bosco.

Following the profession rite, the newly professed Salesians were invested with the cassock, a visible sign of their consecration and commitment to religious life. Their parents assisted in the vesting ceremony, highlighting the significant role of the family in their vocational journey.

Fr. Racelis later presented the newly professed Salesians with copies of the Salesian Constitutions and commemorative medals of St. John Bosco as symbols of their commitment to live the charism and mission of the congregation.

Nineteen Salesian priests concelebrated the Mass, joined by Salesian Brothers, Salesian Sisters, members of the Salesian Family, and relatives and friends of the newly professed.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship gathering at the Don Bosco Formation Center Pilgrim Hall, where members of the Salesian Family shared in the joy of the occasion and strengthened the spirit of communion fostered by Don Bosco.