Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, the Philippines, 10 September 2016—The Salesian Family members headed to St. John Bosco Parish and Center for Young Workers in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and attended the annual recollection. Fr. Edwin Soliva, SDB, Rector and Parish Priest of St. Dominic Savio Parish in Mandaluyong City, was the facilitator on the topic “Spirituality of Stewardship”.
The Salesian Family members who were present are from different chapters and branches of the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) and Familia Asociacion Damas Salesianas (FADS). There were 250 registered participants.
At 8:45 am, Fr. Soliva led the opening prayer asking the Lord for openness and simplicity, so that one may see and hear the Lord and in the recollection talk, the chance for the Lord to talk to us personally. The topic of the talk was about Spirituality of Stewardship. Stewardship is a spirituality that is important in life. The participants were reminded that in Stewardship, one must remember that the world is not about oneself, but look at God, to know the purpose of life. Also, in Stewardship, one must learn how to trust to be able to worry less. One must be grateful, for a grateful person is a generous person. Several guided questionnaires were provided for personal reflection. The participants were reminded to live simply, speak kindly, care deeply and love generously. In the talk, it was pointed out that Stewardship is a way of life and a path to conversion.
After the talk and short break, there was the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration. The Salesian priests were also available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The recollection was concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, FIN Provincial Superior was the main celebrant. The Salesian priests who were present concelebrated.
After the Recollection, other Salesian Family members stayed in St. John Bosco Parish for lunch, picture taking and camaraderie with their fellow members. The participants were grateful to the parishioners and the SDB community of St. John Bosco Parish for the warm welcome and for hosting the annual Salesian Family Recollection this year.
