Volunteers' Reflections on the Strenna for 2014

"Da mihi animas, cetera tolle."

(Give me souls, take away the rest.)

As part of the spiritual formation of VIDES Philippines' officers, staff, and volunteers, the video of the Salesian Rector Major's Annual Strenna* is presented during the first general assembly regularly held at the beginning of the year.   

For 2014, the theme of the Strenna of Fr Pascual Chávez is "Let us draw upon Don Bosco's experience, so we can walk in holiness according to our specific vocation."  The Rector Major discussed Don Bosco's spirituality and highlighted the importance of pastoral charity as the center and synthesis of Salesian spirituality. He also underscored how the Salesian spirituality is experienced in particular ways, according to the specific nature of each group of the Salesian Family and each one's state in life, be it priestly ministry, consecrated life, lay, family, youth, elderly, etc.   

In concluding his Strenna, Fr Chávez urged the members of the Salesian family to do the following: 1) commit ourselves to a deeper understanding of Don Bosco's spiritual experience; 2) live the core and synthesis of Salesian spirituality which is pastoral charity; 3) propose and communicate Salesian spirituality according to the diversity of our vocations; and 4) read Don Bosco’s writings which are sources of Salesian spirituality.

Watch the video of the commentary of the 2014 Strenna 

Read the full text of the Major Rector's 2014 Strenna 

VIDES Volunteers' Reflections on the Strenna for 2014

I’m struck by Don Bosco's “passion for God and for the young.” As Busina Mo, Dunong Ko (BMDK) volunteers, we are reminded by Don Bosco to be patient. Like him, let us believe that “In every child there is a seed of goodness.” - Amy

Motto of Don Bosco: “Give me souls, take away the rest.” I agree that we save the souls of the young thru volunteerism. - Cheryl

In VIDES, we see the growth in the mission of Don Bosco; the volunteers have imbibed the Salesian Spirituality; everyone is responsible in the field --- volunteers have become like “auto-pilots”, which means that everybody moves with conviction for the common good and the mission. - Tony

In VIDES, we live out the essence of “Give me souls, take away the rest.” We evangelize (give them hope and share our faith), we educate and enable the children and their parents (educate them on human rights, develop their talents), we empower them to become better persons spiritually, economically, personally, etc.) - Ciel

“As a father of two children, Don Bosco’s teachings can also be applied in our home. Even I experience the ‘kakulitan’ of my kids, just like the BMDK children, so I’m challenged to be patient. Children are true to their nature --- just simply being themselves --- so I understand them and apply more patience in dealing with them. In my daily life, I also am asked to exercise patience in politics, even while driving, at work, etc.” - Raymund

Love in Action: Singaporean Volunteers Bring Joy to BMDK Children

Ten volunteers from A Call To Share (ACTS) Singapore visited the Busina Mo, Dunong Ko areas of Recto, NIA Road, South Triangle, and Pasay from December 10 to 13, 2013.   They gave the kids entertaining lessons in science and arts.   

Our Singaporean friends conducted storytelling sessions and taught the children and some mothers how to make paper puppets and colorful bead necklaces.  They also taught the kids fun facts about dinosaurs.   

The fun activities were capped by the distribution of gift bags and toys to the BMDK children. 

Our utmost gratitude to our Singaporean friends from ACTS-Singapore represented by Audrey Leong, Lorraine Lim, Stella Tan, Adelene Tan, Evelyn Nair, Joseph Tey, Janice Pua, Doris Yee, and Julia Lim.  Thank you for sharing your precious time and for bring smiles to the BMDK children. May God continue to bless you as you continue to share the joy of serving others! Hanggang sa muli! (Until we meet again!)

Love in Action: Ms Tess & Family Treat VIDES Kids

Last January 4, 2013, Busina Mo, Dunong Ko children from Pasay and NIA Road received a special New Year's treat from Ms. Tess Bernabe and her family. The kids actively participated in the fun games and activities prepared for them.  They also happily munched on the delicious food served with love. 

To show gratitude and appreciation, the children, with the Voice of VIDES Choir, rendered a special song number for the benefactors.

Much, much thanks to Ms. Tess Bernabe and her family for the awesome treat! It was a happy, memorable day for the kids, indeed!  

Love in Action: Ate Lezeil & Friends Visit Delpan

“It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.” 

- Leo Buscaglia

                                                                                                                                            
Bent on creating joy for others, sharing their blessings, and extending hope and love to the underprivileged, VIDES Philippines Treasurer and Board of Trustees Member, Lezeil Ebdane, and her classmates visited the Busina Mo, Dunong Ko children of Delpan, Manila last December 19, 2013.

The Ladies in Red (with the exception of Ate Lezeil who was wearing the yellow Live Jesus VIDES shirt) spread the spirit and joy of the Yuletide Season by treating the kids to a half day of fun and laughter. Everyone actively participated in the games and bonding moment. They also enjoyed singing and showing off their dance moves.

The activity was capped with the distribution of pear-shaped hams and grocery items which made the kids' and their families' noche buena extra special.     

To Ate Lezeil and friends, we sincerely thank you for sharing your time and blessings with the underprivileged kids of Delpan. Thank you, too, for sending Christmas goodies to the children of NIA Road and South Triangle. More power! Live Jesus!