Salesians in Chicago Celebrate Don Bosco’s Birthday

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

(Chicago, Ill. – August 26) – Our vibrant community of St. John Bosco-St. James Parish in Chicago came together for an unforgettable three-day celebration. We honored the birthday of St. John Bosco, while simultaneously marking the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The weekend of August 15-16 was a beautiful testament to the parish’s deep Salesian identity, devotion, and family spirit.

The celebration commenced on Friday night, August 14, with a powerful outdoor Eucharistic Adoration outside the Savio Center. Despite the intense summer heat and high humidity, a large number of youths, families, and parishioners gathered to spend intimate time with Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The atmosphere was filled with guided meditations reflecting on this year’s strenna: “Do whatever he tells you.” There was an abundance of uplifting praise, worship music, and sacred moments of profound silence. The weather did nothing to dampen the community's spirit. The outdoor setting served as a reminder of how Don Bosco gathered his young people in open spaces to bring them closer to God.

At 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, August 15, the parish vestibule filled with joyful voices for the traditional Mexican birthday song, “Las Mañanitas.” Gathered in front of the statue of St. John Bosco, we sang to our patron saint. Between songs, the microphone was opened to the community.

In a moving display of gratitude, some parishioners shared personal testimonies, recounting how Don Bosco’s intercession and spirituality have touched, healed, and transformed their lives.

Saturday also marked the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. This solemnity holds deep meaning for the parish, as Marian devotion is the bedrock of our Salesian spirituality.

Don Bosco famously taught his youngsters to love Mary as their Mother and guide. The celebrations continued into Saturday night with a community outdoor movie night. Parishioners gathered under the night sky to watch a film detailing the life, struggles, and triumphs of St. John Bosco, inspiring everyone to live out his mission of youth advocacy and holiness.

The grand finale took place on Sunday, August 16, the official birthday of St. John Bosco. Following the 1:00 p.m. Mass, the youths of the parish were called forward to receive a special blessing, committing them to the care and guidance of St. John Bosco. After Mass, the celebration shifted into high gear with a festive community gathering around the Savio Center, where families connected and shared meals together and activities were organized for the young and the “young at heart.” The grounds of the parish echoed with laughter, music, and true community spirit.

These three days of prayer, liturgy, testimony, and play perfectly mirrored the four pillars of Don Bosco’s Oratory: a home that welcomes, a parish that evangelizes, a school that prepares for life, and a playground where friends meet. St. John Bosco-St. James Parish continues to be a beacon of love and Salesian joy in Chicago!