 Taking Don Bosco seriously when he said, "the devil fears happy people," Tuloy closed all offices on January 31 so that the Center´s employees could join the children in a full day of prayer, merriment and celebration.
As always the feast day of Tuloy´s patron saint started with a holy mass with Fr. Rocky Evangelista, SDB as the main celebrant. During the homily, Fr. Rocky focused on Don Bosco´s prayer, "Give me souls, take away the rest." After the mass, the students kissed the relic of Don Bosco.
During the rest of the morning many of the kids played parlor games while some students had exhibition games against the staff in basketball, volleyball, and football. Then the staff and children had lunch together. During special events like these, caregivers are enjoined to compete in sports and games as a means to reach out to the kids using the language they love most…FUN.
An intense and exciting game of bingo capped the festivities in the afternoon. Students and employees sat side by side, tensely waiting for the right numbers to get called. Winners enjoyed simple prizes. In addition, they each got a mouthwatering cup of ice cream donated by Nestle, which they eagerly shared with the losers. In fact, the family spirit was so strong that day, one could say nobody really lost.
 The Mother Generale of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Infant Jesus (FMIJ), Mo. Felicita Decio, FMIJ, flew all the way from Italy to deliver a special message to the students of Tuloy: "You are loved by God everyday. Always treasure the grace God grants."
Mo. Felicita came to the Philippines to witness the launching of the silver anniversary of the Congregation´s presence in the country. While in the Philippines, Mo. Felicita also took the time to give the FMIJ sisters a fraternal visit.
Four FMIJ sisters have been assigned to help take care of 49 girls living in Tuloy: Sr. Juliana Arcega; Sr. Maricel Peñarroya; Sr. Annie Caraca, assistant superior; and their superior Sr. Emma Cameros.
Mother Generale also compared Tuloy´s work with the charism of their foundress Barbara Micarelli, "to consecrate her life for the good of the poor, the orphans, the abandoned, and to become the spiritual mother of souls."
Sr. Emma, who also heads the health care program of Tuloy, shared with Mother Generale how life in Tuloy allows her to serve the poor, especially orphans, as she had vowed to do. She said that the more tired she becomes in caring for the children, the more joy she feels.
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