Salesian Technical School in Tainan City, Taiwan, celebrates Salesian Day !

by Taiwan correspondent EC.

TAINAN (Taiwan): December 9, 2004 -- The only Salesian school in Taiwan has just celebrated its annual Salesian Day, usually scheduled on the first Friday of December (nearest to Dec. 8 to commemorate Don Bosco’s start of his youth apostolate) but because of the recent typhoon it was moved to the second Friday this year.

    The day started with a lively drama performed by the students depicting the dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine but with a modern twist to the story. The school choir was on the side rendering inspirational religious songs during the change of scenes. Then it finally ended with a litany of prayers and wishes by the students and teachers. Then the rector and principal, Fr. Martin Lee, delivered an inspirational message to thank everyone who wished him a happy birthday.

     After the performance, student representatives and school employees went to the school lobby for the blessing of the newly remodelled lobby. Fr. John Baptist Zen, the former rector, blessed the place then unveiled a giant painting of the dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine. The painting was done almost 3 years ago by Bro. Joseph Ao of Hong Kong and was finally completed by Fr, Matthew Chan, present rector of Salesian School also in Hong Kong.

    There were also 2 other life-size portraits unveiled beside the school’s main staircase, portraits of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians. The painting and the big portraits were placed there to remind everyone, students, teachers, Salesians, and visitors of the main vision and mission of the school, that is, the salvation of poor and abandoned youth.

    It must be noted here that Salesian Technical School in Taiwan caters to students who cannot enter very good government schools (senior high school) due to very poor performance both in their academic and technical subjects. They also come from middle class to lower middle class and even poor families who can barely pay for their tuition fee. The school gives them a second chance and builds their self-confidence to face the competitive society.

After the religious part of the day, the Salesian community treated everyone to a tasty ice-cream on a cone. After which the whole morning continued with lots and lots of fun and games….. a truly Salesian atmosphere !

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