by: CYM Correspondence
Don Bosco Philippines South Province hosted two concurrent gatherings in the month of November – the East Asia Ocenia Youth Ministry Delegates Meeting and the Salesian Family Encounter from November 9-12, 2023 in Don Bosco Retreat House, Lawaan, Talisay, Cebu.
International Collaboration
As many as 18 countries represented by 65 delegates from all over the East Asia and Ocenia Region graced the 4-day gathering.
Of the 65 delegates, 20 of which attended the Youth Ministry Delegates Meeting convened by Fr. Miguel Angel Garcia-Morcuende, SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry with Fr. Joebeth L. Vivo, SDB, Youth Ministry Sector Collaborator. The Youth Ministry Meeting focused on the following discussions: Evaluation of the Previous’ Year’s Recommendations, Sharing of Best Practices, Reflection on the “Oratory-Youth Centre” text of the Frame of Reference, and Joint Formation of the Salesians and the Lay Collaborators.
On the other hand, 45 delegates from the various Salesian Family groups joined the Salesian Family Encounter facilitated by Fr. Joan Luis Playa, SDB, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Secretariat for the Salesian Family together with Fr. Alejandro Guevara, SDB, ADMA World Delegate, Bro. Domenico Duc Nam Nguyen, SDB, World Delegate for the Salesian Past Pupils and Cooperators, Sr. Leslye Sandigo, FMA General Councillor for the Salesian Family of the FMA and Sr. Lucrecia Uribe, FMA, World Delegate for the Cooperators of the FMA. The encounter’s central theme revolved around the sharing of Best Practices, reality of the Salesian Family in the EAO Region, as well as on the Synodal Service of Animation, and Accompaniment.
Cultural Exchange
The meeting provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding among the delegates in their respective meetings. Participants shared insights, practices, and experiences from their provinces and settings, enriching the collective knowledge and approach to Salesian Youth Ministry and Salesian Family.
The entire delegation was immersed in Cebu’s deep Catholic roots as they visited Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and the Magellan’s Cross. Just in time for Blessed Ceferino Namuncura’s beatification anniversary on November 11, the delegates witnessed the musical play “Zephyrin” that narrates the tale of Blessed Namuncura’s life produced by Fr. Randolf Figuracion, SDB and written and directed by Jude Gitamondoc. Additionally, the Youth Ministry delegates were able to experience Cebu’s vibrant cultural heritage by meeting the local Bosconians from Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu before visiting the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Museum and Casa Gorordo Museum.
Shared Mission
On the morning of November 11, 2023, all 65 delegates shared a common space for the Youth Ministry and Salesian Family joint session facilitated by Fr. Garcia-Morcuende.
The shared meals, laughter, and moments of quiet reflection wove a tapestry of connection among the delegates. Moreover, the conversations, resolutions, and newfound connections paved the way for a more cohesive future for the Salesian Youth Ministry and the Salesian family in the Region.
Even after the concurrent meetings, echoes from the discussions continue to resonate, a reminder of the delegates’ connection and shared mission, fostering a sense of belonging to a larger community that extends beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.
