Philippines – FIS Province: “a great history still to be accomplished”

08 June 2017

(ANS – Cebu) – “Our congregation is 163 years old and our very own Philippine South Province is 25 - quite a long stretch of time in between. But through it all, we have our Salesian identity as the tie that binds us in ageless prominence.” So began the speech of Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, the current Provincial of Mary Help of Christians Province (FIS), for the FIS 25th Anniversary.

The province was established in 1992 with 62 Salesians. Today, it has over 66 priests, 13 brothers, 24 post-novices and theologians. The combination of religious and lay presence continue to infuse its Salesian charism to 11 youth centers, 9 technical-vocational centers, 7 parishes, 4 schools, 4 retreat houses, 2 boys homes, 1 aftercare home for children in conflict with the law, 1 seminary, 1 novitiate, and 1 provincial house spread out in 16 houses all over Cebu, Negros, Iloilo, Eastern Samar, Davao, Lahore and Quetta in Pakistan.

The anniversary celebration took place at Cebu City this past 31 May. In the morning, the Salesians had their moment to be together. The provincial shared his reflections and insights highlighting not only the highlights but also the times when the light dimmed to a dull glimmer. The provincial spoke to the confreres of the situation of the province with sincere intention of taking stock of its strengths and weaknesses. He later encouraged the confreres to set their sights on the next 25 years.

In the afternoon, other members of the Salesian Family joined in the celebration of the Holy Mass and the festive program that followed. In his final speech, after honoring benefactors and guests, Fr. Godofredo said, "Today, our experiences of working together on behalf of the young have helped us grow as a united body sharing responsibility within the Salesian Family, and thus we have grown in our awareness that we are a single charismatic movement."

The whole celebration also honored pioneers and former provincials. Later, to conclude, the provincial paraphrased St. John Paul’s “Vita Consecrata” (No. 110), "we have not only a glorious history to remember and to tell, but also a great history still to be accomplished! Look to the future, to where the Spirit is sending you to do even greater things."

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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