Montréal: 25th Anniversary of the DBYLC

By Fr. Richard Authier, SDB

(Montréal, QC – October 11) – On Sunday, October 8, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated for the 25th Anniversary of the Don Bosco Youth Leadership Centre (DBYLC). Such a Mass was most appropriate at this time because in Canada it was Thanksgiving weekend, a time of gratitude to God in so many ways.

The two Bible readings of the day reminded us of the meaning of Thanksgiving. Of note, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus and be thankful”; “Practice compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”; and “Ask and it will be given to you. God the Father gives good gifts to us” stuck out most. These verses applied well to a Thanksgiving weekend and to a 25th anniversary.

Here is a short list of what the DBYLC was particularly grateful for:

1. The founders of the DBYLC: Fr. Romano, Theo, and Rosemary.

2. All the senior staff members for 25 years.

3. All the young adult leaders, who animated our activities.

4. All the parents who entrusted their children and teens to the DBYLC.

5. All the children, teens, and young adults who participate in our activities.

6. All the generous private and public financial benefactors.

7. All the children and teens who morphed into leaders and animators as they grew older.

8. All the past and present members of our administrative board.

9. All the volunteers, helpers, and “hangers around” of so many years!

When we look back over 25 years, our greatest source of pride and gratitude is that the original mission of the DBYLC has been respected. The vision of the founders was that the DBYLC would try to reproduce what Don Bosco did in Turin, Italy, many years ago. Don Bosco used two key phrases to describe his mission: “It is not enough for the young to be loved, they must know they are loved.” He also said, “The young must be guided to become honest citizens and true Christians.”

Certainly, the world has changed since the DBYLC was founded. We live in a world, where independence, self-centredness, consumerism, and high-speed everything has taken over. Religiously, in Quebec, Catholicism has been withdrawn from schools, and many people no longer see the purpose of prayer and the Church. All these elements render the mission of the DBYLC much more challenging and difficult. Therefore, all the more reasons for the DBYLC’s existence!

We have never ceased trying to form “honest citizens and true Christians.” Don Bosco would still be proud! Our two readings encourage us to go ahead for another 25 years. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus and Mary and be thankful.”

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving and happy 25th anniversary to all. Maintain a heart of gratitude, because God is always on our side.