3186 "I want you to be really happy in body and soul"
austraLasia #3186
 


"I want you to be really happy in body and soul"


Turin: 30 January 2013
(with reference to Turin 3 January1876)
--

*Turin, 3 [January 18]76
 
My dear Fr Rector, teachers, pupils and everyone residing at Lanzo college,
 
Allow me to say this to you and let no one be offended: you are thieves, I say, and I say it again, you have stolen everything from me.

When I was at Lanzo you enchanted me with your benevolence and kindness; you captured my mind with your piety; there was just this poor heart of mine left and now you have completely stolen all my affection. And now your letter, signed by 200 dear, friendly hands has completely taken possession of my heart, and nothing remains but the keen desire to love you in the Lord do good for you, save everyone's soul.

This generous movement of affection invites me to go there as soon as possible and visit you once more, and I hope there will not be too much delay. When I come I want you to be really happy in body and soul; we will let the world see how happy we can be in body and soul without offending the Lord.
I thank you warmly for everything you have done for me; I will not fail to remember you each day in the Holy Mass, begging Divine Providence to grant you health to study, courage to fight temptations and the graces you most need to live and die in the peace of the Lord.

A proposal. On the 15th of this month dedicated to St. Maurice, I will celebrate Mass for your intentions; will you do me the kindness of going to Holy Communion that day so that I may go to Heaven with you?

May God bless you all and believe me that you are always mine in J. C.

Your most affectionate friend

Fr. John Bosco


* Don Bosco was at Lanzo two days before Christmas and had met the boys there: cf MB XI 337-338.
* The Rector was Fr John Baptist Lemoyne: cf. E(m) II, lett. 853.

A purpose and a reason for Education

 Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector

“You have a purpose and reason and that is why you have chosen to do continue your education and training here at Don Bosco”, said Bernard Rapasia, CEO TVET and School Board member, to the audience gathered at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson for the Parent-student Orientation held on 26th January, 2013.

“Your teachers are ready to take you on for a serious training that will enable you to give of your best and realize your full potential.  With commitment and hard work you will be able to do your best”, continued Mr. Bernard.  While thanking the parents for their confidence in Don Bosco, he encouraged the parents to care for their children and cooperate with the staff to ensure that their children make the best of themselves and prepare well for their future.

The School Gymnasium was filled with parents, candidates and students all keen to understand what is expected of them during the school year and fulfill them to the best of their ability.   The school rules were highlighted by Luke Houpere, Deputy Principal stressing attendance and commitment.  Coordinated by Sr. Bernadette Wauki fma, Instructors from the different departments outlined the course programme and spoke of the requirements therein.  The Admission procedure was explained.  The audience then had an opportunity to ask questions and get their doubts clarified.

In his welcoming words, Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector, basing himself on the Strenna of the Rector Major, Fr. Pascal Chavez sdb,- spoke of the need for educating students to lasting joy – joy for themselves, their family and others in the community; joy that will be theirs today, for many years down the line and finally the tears of joy that will be theirs as they graduate in 2015.  He thanked the Salesians, school board members, sisters, staff, parents, volunteers and the many that support and assist the Institution in the difficult task of educating the young.  He made mention of the International teachers present – and the presence of Ian Bailey, Mahitahi volunteer aged 80 years, who has come to share his knowledge and skills with the young.  He welcomed girls and boys to join all the trades – stating the fact that the best carpenters could be girls and the best cooks could be men.

During the holidays, the school received a fresh coat of paint and necessary maintenance has been done by Fr. Srimal Priyanga sdb together with staff and students.  Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson, has now completed a week of class with the second years in attendance.  A Teachers Orientation was held every afternoon.  Camari Bainivalu, principal dwelt on the school and academic requirements, Penny Chilton took sessions on the Pedagogy of Education and Fr. Ambrose Pereira dwelt on the Strenna 2013.