By Fr. Bernie Graham, SDB

Apia, Samoa - Today, 16 August 2015, here in Samoa, the Salesian Family, especially the youth gathered for SYM SamBosco, were the first in the world to celebrate Don Bosco’s 200th Birthday! Over the coming hours, the rest of the world will gradually celebrate in an unfolding day across the whole world.

Our day began with Archbishop Alipati Mataeliga, Archbishop of Samoa-Apia, celebrating the Bicentenary Mass in Don Bosco Parish Sinamoga with all the SamBosco participants joining the local parishioners and many other visitors to pray in thanksgiving for the gift of Don Bosco to the World, the Church and especially to the young people of Samoa. It was a wonderful celebration with typical Islander harmonious singing and dramatic presentations for the “Enthronement of the Word, ‘Presentation of the Gifts’ and the ‘Reflection after Communion’. And another birthday cake!

The Sambosco Program concluded with the traditional Samoan Siva – a presentation of song and dance by each group present.

Don Bosco is truly alive in Samoa. His young people celebrated his birthday with great enthusiasm. And they have promised to take with them his spirit of joy and enthusiasm, his trust in God and devotion to Mary back to their local communities and families.

Viva Don Bosco! Fa’afatai! (Thank you!)

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SamBosco 2015 – Day 2

The second day of SamBosco coincided with the Solemnity of the Assumption, and so the day began with the celebration of Eucharist at 6.30am with all participants actively involved in the singing and liturgy and praising God for the ‘Gift of Mary, His Mother’.

After the early Mass a lively ‘Zumba’ session of music, exercise and dance was professionally led by representatives of the Ministry of Health. This certainly got those who were still a ‘little sleepy’ onto their feet, well limbered up with lots of fun and laughter as they tried to keep up with the professional exercise instructors!

After a well-earned breakfast a series of four workshops were conducted with all groups attending in rotation. Two were conducted by staff from the Ministry of Health – ‘A Healthy Lifestyle’ and ‘Women’s Issues’. The other two concentrated on Salesian themes – ‘The Salesian Family’ conducted by representatives of the SDB and FMA present, and ‘Don Bosco Technical Centre’ conducted by students of the Centre representing the different sections – wood, metal, electronics and plumbing.

Samoan Youth love Games, and are very competitive. The afternoon was taken up by different sporting activities and competitive games including fun relay activities and creative scenarios. Following singing practice for the Bicentenary mass to be celebrated tomorrow, and a beautiful night prayer focusing on Mary, the day ended with a ‘Halloween Party’ held on the eve of the feast. There were very creative and colourful costumes on display, lively dancing and a big ‘Birthday Cake’.