5088(I)_Australia's OzBosco 2019

5088(I)_Australia's OzBosco 2019

May 14, 2019

By Fr Will Matthews, SDB


Melbourne, Australia, 14 May 2019 -- By now, OzBosco has well and truly established itself as the premier youth event on the Salesian calendar in Australia, and for very good reason. The latest rendition, held from 3-5 May at the Don Bosco Camp and Centre in Safety beach (Victoria) was another roaring success; a weekend full of friends, fun and formation for the 120+ young people gathered there, from all around Australia.


Proceedings begun with icebreaker games, followed by a welcome to country ceremony and then dinner. After this, the theme for the weekend was introduced “Holiness is Happiness” – inspired by the strenna of the Rector-Major. Activities were all inspired by this theme but took a variety of forms and they were all highlights! Right from the arts and crafts-based introduction activity to celebrity musician Gen Bryant and her band joining up to lead us in music and reflection for a morning and the “mystery tour” to the local Enchanted Adventure Garden at Arthur’s Seat, the weekend just kept getting better and better! We were also visited by legendary saints such as Don Bosco and Francis d’Assisi who were then followed by “modern-day” saints of the Salesian world and on Sunday were able to choose which workshops to participate in, in which we were spoilt for choice!


Of course, the weekend peaked with the concluding Mass, celebrated by the provincial, F Will Matthews. Truly, OzBosco has established itself as one of the most important opportunities for young people in this province. It is hard to imagine a more Salesian event as faith-based formation from goodnights, good mornings, prayer is mingled with fun, joy and happiness, as all participants are made to feel at home for a couple of days. Already, we count down the days until OzBosco 2020!