An Orange Labor Day

By Br. John Taylor, SDB

(Orange, NJ – September 4) – This past Labor Day, our Salesian community hosted an afternoon cookout for various local communities of Salesians of Don Bosco, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, co-workers in Salesian works, and young adults.

There were over 70 Salesian Family members at the convivial gathering. Our guests were all happy to meet the SDB men in formation and the FMA women in formation, who came from nearby houses. We were also happy to meet the six new FMA aspirants, who just arrived two days prior to their new home for the year in New Jersey.

All guests and hosts contributed to the get-together just as families do. People brought various foods, desserts, and other items. Some helped prepare for the get-together while others helped to clean up after the event. Fr. Tom Ruekert and Fr. John Nazzaro led the prayer in addition to organizing the event.

We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Salesian profession for our very own Fr. John Nazarro. We are very blessed to have him as our community father and director! Some enjoyed playing basketball or cornhole, while others chatted remembering days past, current happenings or future activities in their Salesian lives"

It was truly a Salesian Family event with the spirit of joy and light-heartedness. We sensed that the spirit of St. John Bosco lives on, and Mary Help of Christians guides us onward to Christ in faith and love.