It's funny, though, but this is the first time since I arrived in Japan that I truly feel in my heart a great sense of rejoicing over today's feast, the Feast of St. John Bosco! Japan cannot make this feast as grand as what I have experienced in the Philippines precisely because of certain situations. When I came to Japan, this was a feast celebrated only by the Salesians, FMA and the Miyazaki Caritas Sisters. As for the thousands of students in their schools, I don't know. All I saw was a usual work and study day. The only best celebration I experienced was doing it with the employees of our publishing center -- with a mass, a good supper and some quality time at the dining room of the provincial house. Since my first year at the aspirantate way back in 1983, I have always felt my love for Don Bosco deepen with every feast that we celebrated. January 31st was always a date to look forward to after the Christmas vacation. Tired with preparations and activities preceding and following the feastday itself, there was still something in my heart that affirmed a deeper love and admiration for my favorite saint. Honestly, for the past 8 years here in Japan, I never felt any force that made me feel that love has become deeper. I wanted to. But the desire in my heart wasn't just not enough. I was longing for the external push to complement my inner longing.
Yet this year, on the first year that I live outside any Salesian presence, why is it that I feel Don Bosco's presence more intensely? Why is it that I feel my love for him move once again, like a glacier that makes a slow, short but strong movement to change?
If this is how Don Bosco would like to lead me as God may be directing him, then let it be.
Years from now, I really do not now how and what I will be doing, but some things are certain: the Salesian in me will never be erased, the Salesian influence and education that has formed me since I was 3 will always be there, and Don Bosco will always be there in my every wish, prayers, thoughts, words and pastoral action.
This is grace. Don Bosco is grace!
4 comments:
Fr. Bob,
Hi! I see that you're doing great. It's been a while since we last got in touch. Reading your blogs give me a breath of fresh air -- something strikes me and makes me feel refreshed. I guess it's the "good old days" that we've shared briefly at DBJ.
I have one question though... are you still a Salesian? I'm just curious.
Take care.
Obie
Mabuhay ka Fr. Bob!
I think Don Bosco really had a great impact in your life. As for me, I have stayed with Don Bosco for only a year and the love for Don Bosco is greater than the one I have for St. Benedict, considering that from kinder - college I have been with the Benedictines (Except for 1st yr DBJ)
Obie, kmusta ka na?
-JB
JB-
I'm doing great! And your self? I-send mo sa akin ang email address mo at cellphone number mo. 'Wag natin gamitin ang blog spot ni Fr. Bob na message board. HEHE ROFL
Obie
oBie, I am still "technically" a Salesian. It will still take some years before I finally become a full-fledged diocesan priest.
JB, nice to know that your love for Don Bosco is very great, despite the fact that you spent most of your education with St. Benedict. Keep the faith!
... ok lang, gawin nyong tsismisan forum din ang blog site ko!
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