Chicago: Salesian Family Celebrates Don Bosco

By Fr. Miguel Suarez, SDB, Pastor, St. John Bosco-St. James Parish

(Chicago, IL – February 11) – The Salesian community in Chicago at St. John Bosco-St. James Parish came together in a spirit of faith and joy to celebrate the feast of St. John Bosco.

The festivities began with a novena in honor of our founder. Each evening after Mass, the community watched videos to learn more about Don Bosco’s life and mission. These gatherings were followed by social time, where attendees shared hot chocolate (perfect for the cold weather) and sweet bread, which warmed both body and soul.

During the last three days of the Novena of Don Bosco, which is called a triduum, the parishioners celebrated Salesian joy, prayer, and learning with even greater intensity. On Thursday, January 29, a group of children reenacted the “Dream of the Two Columns,” a powerful depiction of the Catholic Church as a sturdy ship navigating stormy seas, protected by faith and attacked by adversity. The performance was both beautiful and creative, which set the tone for the evening’s adoration, as per the parish’s tradition every Thursday.

The activities on Friday, January 30, demonstrated the playful spirit of Don Bosco with carnival games, where young people earned tickets to redeem gifts and toys. Bingo was held in the cafeteria for those who sought a more relaxed, but still exciting, experience, which provided a relaxed, but still exciting experience that resulted in fun and fellowship.

The grand celebration took place on Saturday, January 31. St. John Bosco-St. James Parish was honored to welcome Cardinal Blaise Cupich, who graciously accepted the invitation from the parish. He arrived at 4:30 p.m. to pray with the SDBs and share supper. During the meal, Cardinal Cupich expressed his gratitude and shared that he always feels at home with the Salesian Family, as he recalled his time as president-rector of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH, where Salesian candidates for the priesthood had studied theology for several years. Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH.

Following supper, Cardinal Cupich celebrated Mass at St. John Bosco-St. James Parish, where the local groups of the Salesian Family, including, but not limited to ADMA, Salesian Cooperators, Salesian Youth Ministry, SDBs, and the Sisters of Divine Providence (who were founded by St. Louis Guanella), gathered in a joyful family spirit. During the liturgy, four new Salesian Cooperators made their promises. Fr. Tim Ploch, the Chicago community’s delegate for the Cooperators, led the induction ceremony.

After Mass, the celebration continued with food, music, theater, songs, and folkloric dances in true Don Bosco style. It was a vibrant and heartfelt event, which radiated hope and joy and strengthened the bonds within the Chicago community.