Banner Days for Salesian Family in Canada

By Fr. John Puntino, SDB

(Etobicoke, ON – June 4) – The Salesian Family in Canada spent late last week and the weekend together. Thursday, May 29, saw the Salesian Cooperators and candidates from Edmonton, AB, gather at the Salesian residence in Edmonton for a Mass, dinner and meeting with Fr. Raja Adaikala John, SDB, as the local delegate and Fr. John Puntino, SDB, as the province delegate.

On Saturday, May 31, Srs. April Cabaccang and Marie Fe Tansioco, FMAs, and Bro. Rafael Vargas, SDB, led a retreat for the Confirmation candidates of both St. John Bosco and St. Dominic Savio parishes in Edmonton. Ninety-three candidates explored the meaning of Confirmation and heard the vocation stories of the sisters and Bro. Raf. They also gave their vocation witness talks to the parishioners of St. John Bosco Parish and greeted the parishioners after the Ascension Sunday Vigil Mass.

On Ascension Sunday, June 1, Sr. April, Sr. Marie Fe, and Bro. Raf spoke at the St. Dominic Savio and St. John Bosco Masses. In the afternoon, they formed a vocations panel, with Fr. John Puntino joining them, and spoke to the young adult group of St. John Bosco Parish.

Meanwhile, the Salesian Cooperators and candidates and their families from the Greater Toronto Area gathered at the home of Boban and Luna Matthew in Etobicoke, ON, for their annual barbecue social. Social media comments expressed enthusiastic appreciation for the gathering. “Our gathering today was so good! True Salesian Family spirit!” “What a great BBQ get together; such a beautiful family get together.”