(ANS – Lawaan) – The Don Bosco Formation Center (DBFC)-Lawaan celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation with a series of spiritual, cultural, and community activities, culminating in the Solemnity of St. John Bosco. The jubilee marked five decades of formation inspired by the Salesian motto “Ecce ego, mitte me” – “Here I am, send me.”
The celebrations were preceded by a novena and various activities, including a motorcade, a youth night, a sports festival, exhibitions, and cultural events. One of the highlights was the gathering of the Past Pupils on January 25, which, for the first time, brought together all groups from the past 50 years. Past Pupils from the different formation programs of the DBFC came together and formally established a unified association, reflecting the Center’s growth from a simple seminary and high school oratory into a university department and a regional catechetical formation center.
During the jubilee homily, Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, Bishop of Bacolod and former Rector of the DBFC, emphasized the mission of the Past Pupils in society, reminding them that they are called to be missionaries wherever they are sent. On January 31, the jubilee reached its peak with a dawn procession and a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Amelito Racelis, Superior of the Salesian Province of Southern Philippines. He expressed gratitude for the fidelity of the Salesians and lay missionary collaborators, recalling the remarkable growth of the DBFC and inviting the community to look forward with hope to the next 50 years.
The jubilee concluded with a cultural evening marked by thanksgiving, fraternity, and joyful remembrance. The Golden Jubilee of the DBFC was celebrated not only by the Lawaan community but also by the entire FIS Province and the East Asia-Oceania Region, affirming the Center’s lasting contribution to the mission of the Church and the Salesian Family.
