by: Novice Christian Jude Baring
Cebu, Philippines – With a powerful call to both listen and respond to the Word of God, the Salesian Novices of the FIS and GIA Provinces engaged in a week-long seminar on the Word of God and Lectio Divina from July 7 to 14, 2025. Guided by Rev. Fr. Joseph Kunle Ogundana, SDB, the seminar focused on Pope Benedict XVI’s Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini and was enriched by the reflections of Fr. Pascual Chavez, SDB, Rector Major Emeritus, on “The Word of God and the Salesian Life Today.”
The seminar was intense yet offered an eye-opening and transformative experience, reminding the Novices that amidst the chaotic noise of the world, God’s Word remains the sole voice that speaks with eternal clarity and unwavering love.
“The seminar on the Word of God and Lectio Divina enriched and rekindled the desire to know more and more the Word of God, and thereby Christ Himself,” said Cl. Nithun Varghese, SDB, the Novice Brother Assistant. “It inspires me to read and reflect on God’s Word and, in doing so, to form myself as a living memorial of Jesus Christ Himself.”
Reading sessions, personal reflections, and panel forums formed the core of the seminar, fostering a deep and prayerful engagement with the Word of God. During the first three days, the Novices immersed themselves in insightful readings and reflections, allowing God’s Word to speak profoundly into their lives and mission within the Church.
A notable highlight of the seminar was the crafting of the proposed Batch Project, which encapsulates the Novices’ concrete response to the Word of God as they continue their journey of commitment to the Salesian life.
“As I respond to God’s call, I realize the importance of being firmly rooted in His Word, which nourishes me physically, mentally, and spiritually,” shared Novice Mario Betinol Jr., from the FIS Province. “Though God and I both know my sinfulness, I trust in His love and mercy and believe that He will continue to accompany me. This journey calls for a faithful heart – one that listens deeply and obeys humbly – for true prayer does not ask for what is lacking, but desires only the will of God.
Daily meditation through reading, meditating, praying, and contemplating deepens my relationship with Him and draws me ever closer to the truth. ‘Noverim Te, Noverim Me.’”
After spending the first three days enclosed in the conference hall, the Novices moved through various settings in the succeeding days, allowing the Word to come alive in the Eucharist, prayer, silence, community, and mission. From July 10 to 12, 2025, the Novices visited the Sisters of Maria Stella Matutina, encountering the Word in contemplative prayer. They journeyed to Don Bosco Talamban the next day for enriching community sharing, and continued their exposure with the Sisters of Mary Our Help Community, deepening their understanding of religious life and service anchored on prayer.
“Through uncertain things, we are able to know the things certain,” boldly expressed Novice Naoki Dobashi, from the GIA Province. “Our responsibility is to proclaim and convey the Word of God day by day, and enter into dialogue with Him through our mission by listening to the voice of the youth.”
The seminar concluded with an intercultural formation gathering at La Mer Beach Resort, San Remigio, together with the Con Dio Novices. The week-long seminar left the three new Novices (Nov. Mario, Nov. Jude, and Nov. Naoki) with a renewed passion to encounter the Word of God daily, as well as a concrete commitment to practice Lectio Divina.
“Come, Lord Jesus, closer into this unworthy heart of mine; call me into your Church to deepen my relationship with You in Sacred Scripture through my mission, apostolate, meditation, prayer life, and joyful witnessing,” said Novice Christian Jude Baring from the FIS Province in a prayerful tone. “May I be inspired to answer the call, to listen and ponder it in my heart with a new hearing of Your Word, to be its credible witness, and to be called later on as the ‘apostle of the Word.’ Help me to see You in the young to whom I am sent, and to build not only communion and joy but also continual renewal among us. Through the intercession of Mary, Mater Verbi et Mater Laetitiae, may I come every day to pray and obey Your Word, and be strengthened to live out my vocation faithfully. Amen.”
As the Novices return to their daily routines, they carry with them not just notes and reflections, but Scriptures in hand and mission in their hearts—to pray and encounter the Lord with an open heart, to listen to His Word with humility, and to meet God in the young to whom they are sent.
