Philippines: Don Bosco Formation Center in Cebu Marks Twin Jubilees of Salesian Mission and Lay Collaboration

The Don Bosco Formation Center in Lawaan, Talisay City, in central Philippines, is gearing up for two significant milestones: 50 years of Salesian presence in the Philippine South and the 150th anniversary of the worldwide Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC).

Fr. Amelito Narciso Racelis, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco Philippines South, told Radio Veritas Asia that the twin jubilees will be preceded by a series of novena Masses in local parishes under Salesian guidance, beginning on January 22 and culminating on January 31, 2026, the Feast of St. John Bosco.

Located south of Cebu Province, the Don Bosco Formation Center hosts a college seminary and a shrine dedicated to St. John Bosco (1815–1888). Also known as Don Bosco, the Italian priest and educator was the founder of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and is widely known as the Apostle of Youth. He dedicated his life to the education and care of poor and abandoned young people. In Cebu, the Salesians also administer Don Bosco Technical College.

According to Fr. Racelis, the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) is the Third Order of the Salesian Family. It is a lay association that supports the mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco in educating and evangelising young people, especially the poor.

Founded by St. John Bosco in 1876 with papal approval, the ASC even preceded the formal establishment of the Salesian Society, reflecting Don Bosco’s deep commitment to involving the laity in his mission, Fr. Racelis explained.

He commended the Salesian Cooperators in Cebu for their dedication, noting that they sometimes arrive ahead of clergy in community initiatives. He emphasised that the Salesians’ work in parishes, schools, and youth centres is deeply rooted in the collaboration of lay partners.

“They are very committed, efficient, and effective in their mission. I cannot imagine Don Bosco–Lawaan without Salesian Cooperators,” he said.

Fr. Racelis encouraged lay people—married or single—as well as diocesan priests to consider becoming part of the ASC.

“Not everyone is called to follow Don Bosco through consecrated religious life. Married people, single men and women, and those living in the world who wish to do good for society and help transform it for the better can be part of the ASC,” he said.

Appointed Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco Philippines South in August 2025, Fr. Racelis marked 40 years as a professed Salesian priest. After completing advanced studies in liturgy abroad, he returned to serve as Administrator of the Don Bosco Formation Center, later becoming Pastoral Animator and Director from 2007 to 2020.

Reflecting on the centre’s growth, Fr. Racelis said it has borne much fruit, producing numerous priests, brothers, and members of the wider Salesian Family. Acquired in 1976 from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the centre initially operated a high school seminary, becoming a key formation hub for future Salesians.

In 2008, the congregation phased out the high school programme and opened a college seminary, serving not only candidates for priesthood and religious life but also lay people aspiring to become catechists and youth ministers for the Archdiocese of Cebu and other dioceses. Many graduates, he said, continue to express gratitude for the formation they received.

Looking ahead, Fr. Racelis said the Salesians will continue improving programmes and facilities, with special emphasis on personal accompaniment of young people, including aspirants, pre-novices, novices, and those still discerning their vocation.