A SOLOMONS' SPECIAL CELEBRATION
A. Pereira sdb
HONIARA: 5th Feb -- Thanksgiving or Gratitude Day for the Salesians of Don Bosco was celebrated on the 31st January, 2003, the death of Don Bosco, who passed away in 1888. It is traditionally an occasion to thank the Rector and Superior of the Institute and is also an occasion to rejoice and thank God for Don Bosco.
“It was a very emotional moment for me – as I witnessed the image of Don Bosco being carried up to the altar. He has come to mean so much to me and the young lives that come to the school”, reflected Atu Balekana. The boys under the guidance of Fr. Nelson Jopia sdb animated the Eucharistic celebration. In the morning Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, Rector and principal highlighted incidents from the life of Don Bosco and stressed the fact that for Don Bosco the spiritual dimension of the youngster was always in focus. Then followed an enjoyable swim and a hearty snack.
The swaying of the coconut trees and the setting sun created a very calm and relaxed atmosphere as priests, religious, parish representatives and collaborators joined in a prayerful thanksgiving Eucharist on the grounds of Don Bosco, Henderson. “We join in with the hundreds and thousands the world over to thank the Lord for St. Don Bosco whose method and style is relevant even today” stated Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb.
Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, Rector of Don Bosco, Solomons thanked the gathering for the welcome and acceptance; forgiveness and openness; the understanding and the support offered by the Marists, the Dominicans, the Vincentians and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate – as the Salesians commenced their work in Solomon Islands. “We need the help of several persons – benefactors, teachers, staff, workers, boys, girls as we strive to reach out and enhance their lives. We are also grateful to the many volunteers who have supported the mission of Don Bosco in Solomon Islands”, he continued.
‘It is always nice that we can look back at the charism of a founder and envisage where we are going” commented Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara as the evening was brought to a close. “It has been the best celebration of Don Bosco”, said Sr. Margaret Tisch smsm.
The parish of Christ the King, Tetere, also celebrated the feast of Don Bosco on 1st February 2003. The recently arrived Fr. Peter Kuchar sdb celebrated the Eucharist at which he baptized three youngsters. “We are faced with problems”, he said, “but in coming together and working together we will progress”. Song and dance together with several items by the different villages brought the celebrations to a close. May Don Bosco inspire us to reach out and touch the lives of the young.
