Don Bosco Feast Day Celebrations, Pt. I

Courtesy of Bro. Bob Metell, SDB; Mrs. Rosina Di Felice, Salesian Cooperator; and Ms. Julia St. Clair, Province Communications Director

The feast of St. John Bosco took place last Friday, January 31. Various celebrations were held over the past week, and some are still ongoing. Three communities shared how they celebrated our founder with us.
Here’s what they said:

EAST BOSTON

Well, folks, here it is—February is already here! Punxsutawney Phil, the famous meteorologist groundhog, saw his shadow and went back into hibernation for another six weeks.

The Salesian Boys and Girls Club celebrated the feast of Don Bosco with a bang in our traditional way of food, fun, and fellowship! The day's main event was our annual Don Bosco classic dodgeball game, where the entire Club took on the staff in a great, fun-filled dodgeball game. Unfortunately, the staff lost this year, despite the fact that they had my keen tactical dodgeball skills for part of the game.

The dodgeball game and Don Bosco feast day celebrations concluded with a closing blessing, a Salesian Good Night by Fr. Rich Putnam, and a pizza and ice cream meal sponsored by the Rotary Club.

As the new month of February begins, so do new activities begin for the Club. We will conduct our winter vacation camp, the Valentine's party, and numerous other festivities.

Stay tuned for all our February events!

ETOBICOKE

St. Benedict Parish celebrated the feast of St. John Bosco at all weekend Masses on Saturday, January 26, and Sunday, January 27.

At the 12:45 p.m. Mass on Sunday, January 27, the Salesian Cooperators renewed their promise. Fr. Sean McEwen, pastor, presided.

In honour of Salesian Family Day, a luncheon took place after Mass, with SBDs, FMAs, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members, past pupils, and some Salesian Family and friends.

A video of the strenna was presented.

NEW ROCHELLE

The New Rochelle community celebrated Don Bosco’s feast day with a 10:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church. It was celebrated by Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat, who gave a powerful homily that evoked how history was repeating itself. He encouraged everyone to be like Don Bosco—authentic, always willing to help those in need, and ready to nurture good Christians and honest citizens.

A festive luncheon followed for faculty and staff at Salesian High School, along with the Salesian Missions’ and Salesian Provincial Center’s staff, at Cassin Commons. The community was also happy to welcome the Ursuline sisters, as well as IVD sisters and Christian Brothers.

To show how your community, parish, school, and/or work honored Don Bosco’s feast day this year, please send your stories and accompanying photos to communications@salesians.org, by Monday, February 10, in accordance with the submission guidances.