By Bro. Hilario Seo, SDB

Kwangju, Korea, 24 May 2016 -- “One’s 60th birthday means that the first life cycle has completed and stay in the position to start anew. Our Salesian school reached 60 years old since it started with junior high school. It was a very simple and humble ceremony prepared. We appreciate for the last 60 years support from many people and wish this moment can be the new start for the development of Salesian education.” said Fr Michael Chang, the principal of the school who couldn’t hold bright smile as greeting.

The 60th anniversary of Salesian school started with a Holy Mass presided by His Excel. Mons. Simon Ok, auxiliary Bishop of Gwangju Archdiocese while 1400 Salesian junior high, high school students, teachers, Salesian family group members, alumni, many female and male religious and diocese priests participated from Gwangju district in Jeonnam in the auditorium of Salesian high school.

The mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, Mr. Changjyun Yoon who is an alumnus of this school sang the school song of Salesian high school through video messages and then delivered message of congratulation. In mentioning the founder, late Fr Martelli and unforgettable teacher Fr Donati and late Fr John Lee, SDB's, he wished that Salesian education could prosper more and contribute to the development of the whole society. Archbishop of Gwangju archdiocese, Mons. Hyginus Kim also sent video message. In particular, Archbishop Kim mentioned that it is the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the salesian high school and requested to the students to continue keeping the tradition their seniors have established and study hard as well joy the life.

Bishop Simon started his homily, saying, “Salesian school made more than 37000 graduates who were talented manpower to develop Honam area and also in the entire Korea. In particular, he made a big contribution to the Church giving more than 70 priests.” Bishop Simon took the example of the soccer player, George Ousman Weah who is a legendary figure of Liberia in asking the students to be Salesians who try to make people happy beside them.

At the end of the Mass, Fr Stefano Yang, Provincial KOR and president of the Salesian School graced to God in his shot speech. For sustainable school development and to practice the preventive system of Don Bosco, Salesian Society promised to support continuously as mother fund. Many people who dedicated to develop the school were recognized and appreciation plaque for long-term employees were given.

All the students and participants sang the school song while finishing the events. They sang the traditional school songs first which have been sung for the last 60 years. And they also sang rock-version-edified ones with joy. They expressed unique pleasure of Salesian school and created time to enjoy.

Congratulating the 60th anniversary of Salesian school, even under our present formal education condition in which Don Bosco's preventive system isn't easy to realize, we wish Salesian school can be revived as an education pioneer which gives dreams and hopes to the young specially those who are in difficulty.

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