The Philippines – The joyful experience of Bros. Ed Villordon and Manny Gacayan

16 May 2018

(ANS - Cebu City) - Edward Villordon and Emmanuel (Manny) Gayacan are two Filipino Salesians who share many things: they were both born in 1968, they entered the Salesian Filipino novitiate in Canlubang, and both had animation offices at Province level. But above all, they share the same Salesian consecrated vocation, in the lay form of the Salesian Coadjutor Brother.

What makes you joyful as a Salesian Brother?

The gift of being called a Salesian of Don Bosco and the availability to share my God-given talents for and with the young and lay mission partners makes me joyful as a Salesian Brother.

To see my former students/trainees become successful in life: have families, find work, become priests/brothers, etc.

What is the specific contribution of the Salesian Brother to the Salesian mission?

The witness of being a consecrated lay person is a unique contribution of the Salesian Brother to the Salesian mission. This witnessing is manifested in the brother’s availability to share his talents and competencies for the educative-pastoral programs for the young and in his closeness with the Lay Mission Partners.

Probably the main contribution is in the education sector!

How to make the vocation of Salesian Brother more visible in the Salesian Family in FIS?

As already mandated, the quality and quantity of the presence of the Salesians among the YOUNG OF TODAY is necessary to make the Salesian Vocation more visible in the Salesian Family.

Since we are few in number but the Salesian centers are increasing, the focus of Brothers are: schools!

What sustains and energizes your vocation?

Personal commitment and accompaniment sustains and energizes my vocation.

Simple things in life, such as a family visit or a good place to rest in the Salesian house.

How can you help our candidates and novices during their discernment as Brother or Cleric?

We can help by being available in whatever way possible during their formation and discernment.

Any suggestion for the path before or during the EAO 2018 Salesian Brothers Congress?

Formulate mechanism or structures to help in the implementation and monitoring of the Congress resolutions at the level of the Province: ex. Integrate with Province Directives and other province-level planning (Overall Provincial Plan, Youth Ministry - Vocations, Formation Directory…)

Serious thought about whether and how communities now are really supporting the Brothers.

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