DB Mandaluyong Hosts Provincial Missions Day 2023: “Care for Creation our Common Mission”
November 11, 2023, Mandaluyong City—The eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year holds significant meaning in the Salesian Congregation. It marks the day, 148 years ago, when the Salesians sent missionaries to the world for the first time, with Argentina being their destination. This historical milestone is commemorated by celebrating Salesian Missions Day (SMD). Since its inception in 1988, the SMD has adopted a theme aligned with the missions of the Salesians of Don Bosco. This year’s theme is “Care of Creation: Our Mission.” The Provincial Missions Day of the Philippines North Province took place in the Roderick Flores Hall of Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong.
Fr. Ronilo Basilio Javines, SDB, Rector/President of DBTC Mandaluyong and the concurrent Provincial Delegate for Social Concerns, extended a warm welcome to the participants through Fr. Dennis Silvestre Casaclang, SDB, Provincial Delegate for Mission Animation. They are co-organizers of this event. Fr. Casaclang facilitated the morning session consisting of several modules:
Module 1 - The call to action of "Laudate Deum"
Module 2 - Contextualized effects of Climate Emergency: The need to recalibrate our efforts
Module 3 - Inventory of current FIN Interventions towards Caring for Creation and victims of the climate emergency.
Module 4 - Gaps in our Interventions and Implementations.
Module 5 - What Mission is the Lord asking us to take in the specific context of our Local Settings and as a Province in line with our Charism?
Halfway through the program, the Tourism, Housekeeping and Food & Beverage TVET Bosconians of Don Bosco Tondo performed a colorful street dance presentation, creatively synthesizing the theme.
The event aims to serve as a pivotal moment for increased commitment and sustained efforts in collaborative initiatives to address the ecological emergency. It seeks to instill a realization among educators and evangelizers regarding their roles in promoting holistic human development, integral ecological consciousness, and social transformation.
The event intends to celebrate collaborative achievements and best practices in reducing our carbon footprint, mitigating the impacts of climate change in our lives, and providing assistance to victims of ecological catastrophes. Additionally, there is a focus on updating our knowledge base on the current ecological state from both local and global perspectives, with particular attention to the 2023 Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Salesian Missions theme on Caring for Creation, and Pope Francis's new expositions in 'Laudate Deum'. It is essential to recalibrate and reflect collectively on the challenges ahead, aligning our efforts with the guidance provided by Science and Spirituality while remaining true to our fundamental mission for young people, as emphasized in GC 29's query, "How can we sensitize young people to carry out concrete actions on integral ecology?"
His Eminence Angel Cardinal Artime, SDB, provides a clear explanation of this theme (https://www.sdb.org/includes/bookPDF.php?id=176). The theme urges us to (1) care for our common home, the beautiful gift of our God; (2) proclaim the Gospel to young people, especially those most in need; and (3) show them the beauty of this way: this is also our mission!
The participation of policymakers (Rectors, Administrators, Parish Priests, Facilities Managers) and implementing duty-bearers (heads and animators of local green teams, Social Concern teams, Missionary groups, and Sodalities) of the Salesian settings is key to the way forward of this event. Fr. Gerardo Martin, SDB, FIN Provincial Superior, gave the closing remarks.
The Provincial Missions Day 2023 in DB Mandaluyong stands as a testament to the Salesian commitment to addressing the pressing issues of our time, particularly the ecological emergency. As participants reflect on the insightful modules and engage in meaningful discussions, the event catalyzes renewed dedication to the care of creation and the holistic development of individuals and communities. The Salesians, inspired by their historic mission, continue to strive toward a world where the beauty of our common home is preserved, the Gospel is shared with the most vulnerable, and the path of love and stewardship is illuminated for all. With a shared mission and a strengthened resolve, the Salesian community looks ahead, ready to embrace the challenges of our era and champion the cause of integral ecology.
