austraLasia #2482

150th anniversary celebration - giving thanks to God for Don Bosco
 
HONIARA: 19th August 2009 -- The Salesians of Don Bosco in the Solomon Islands concluded three days of celebrations for 150 years of the Salesian Congregation with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration held on 15th August, 2009 at Don Bosco Hall, Henderson, Solomon Islands at 8.50am.  Before the celebration, a life size statue of Don Bosco was blessed by Fr. Klement Vaclav, Salesian Councillor for the missions.  The statue has been set up to inspire and guide the many youngsters who frequent the Don Bosco Institution.
    The Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara, together with the Salesians and other priests.  Present for the celebration were students, staff, parents, past-pupils, catholic youth, guests, religious sisters and brothers and friends of Don Bosco.  The 600 strong congregation sang and prayed at the well prepared Mass.  Liturgical dances were animated by Christ the King parish, Tetere, Good Shepherd parish, Tenaru, St Mary’s parish, Tanagai, Holy Cross parish, Honiara, Holy Family parish, Kukum and the Don Bosco students.
    ‘Think about your long term happiness’, said Fr. Klement , as he spoke to the congregation at the homily.  He recalled the determination of the first 18 Salesians as they formed the Society – stressing that they were between the ages of 15 to 23.  He encouraged the youngsters to build up our beautiful Solomon Islands – by evangelizing through education and educating through evangelization.  
    Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara recalled the letter he wrote to the Provincial of the Philippines inviting the Salesians to the Solomon Islands.  He thanked the Salesians for the work they are doing and reminded them to follow in the footsteps St. Francis de Sales from whom the founder Don Bosco took his inspiration.
    Sharing of testimonies of the past pupils, a panel discussion and questions then followed the Eucharistic celebration.  After a shared lunch, the best of cultural dances entertained the audience.  
    ‘An afternoon at the Shoe makers’ a one-act play adapted by Fr.. Kenneth Pereira sdb, gave the audience an insight into the life and character of Don Bosco.  The celebrations concluded giving thanks to God for the gift of Don Bosco to the Solomon Islands.
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Title: australasia 2482
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces PNG/SI 150
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2482