(ANS – Manila) - Pope Francis arrived a few hours ago in Manila, capital of the Philippines. The theme of the Pope's Visit is Mercy and Compassion. It is a very appropriate one because the Philippines has had a series of natural disasters lately. The example of the Pope and the message he brings is a lesson for all, especially for the Filipinos themselves.

Indeed, in the various dioceses and parish communities, there had already been much reflection, many plans of action and also practical acts of compassion towards those who are suffering and in need. Some Philippine bishops reiterated the Pope's desire that his visit be a way of imitating Christ who was merciful and compassionate and that this visit be seen as an opportunity for spiritual renewal.

The organizers of this event said that there would not be much attention for officials and VIPs because the Pope wanted to meet the poor and the victims of disasters. The pope will go to the city of Tacloban that was hit by last year's typhoon.

Needless to say, the Pope's visit to Manila and Tacloban is keeping the Salesians of both Provinces on their toes. Today a group of teenagers from the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Streetchildren Village will participate in the welcome ceremony at the airport. Two children (a boy and girl) will greet the Pope and give him a garland in the usual Filipino tradition. Then there will be the meeting of the Pope with the youth leaders in the University of St. Thomas, and representatives from the Salesian Youth Movement will also be there. During the Pope’s Public Mass at the Luneta, our Parishes and Schools will be present in groups to join in the Eucharist.

Fr Joel Camaya SDB, a member of the Social Communication team of the Northern Province, has been invited by four TV stations and a radio station to participate in interviews and share comments and insights with viewers and listeners.

Near Tacloban, the Salesian community in Borongan is also busy.  Fr Eugene Maglasang is the coordinator of Don Bosco DIRECT that has rebuilt houses and schools in Tacloban with the help of the Salesian Mission Office of Madrid and the Don Bosco Network.

Salesians began their work in the Philippines in an insignificant way in 1912 at Malate close to Manila with confreres arriving from China. However, it was operative only for a few months. Later in 1951 the Salesians started a community in Victorias and from there the mission work began to spread to other areas of the islands. 

In 1963, the St. John Bosco Province was established with its headquarters in Makati close to Manila.  In 1992 a separate Province was set up in the Philippines South region (FIS) with its headquarters in Cebu. The Northern region remained with its headquarters at Makati-Manila (FIN). At present there are 33 houses in the Northern Province, and 17 in the Southern province. There are around 340 confreres from both of the provinces.

Published 15/01/2014