Tampa: Salesians Celebrate the Assumption Throughout the Diocese

By Ms. Chioma Okoye, Communications Director, Mary Help of Christians Center, with the help of the Tampa Salesian community

(Tampa, FL – August 27) – In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL (which includes Tampa), the Salesian priests are well-known for their presence, availability, and willingness to serve. A great example of this occurred on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Here are a few schools in the local Diocese that have ties to the Salesian family and in which the Salesian priests of Mary Help continue to serve:

• The Academy of the Holy Names is a school educating boys and girls pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and all girls in high school. The Salesian community has been serving their ministerial needs for many years. Fr. Jay Horan, SDB celebrated Mass there for over a thousand students on the feast of the Assumption.
   
• Villa Madonna School has deep roots to Mary Help of Christians. When Mrs. Alicia Nieve founded Mary Help Tampa, she saw the wonderful care being offered to boys. Following this, she decided to offer her substantial house to the Salesian Sisters to care for young girls. The presence has evolved to Villa Madonna School. Fr. Martin Joseph, SDB celebrated Mass for the school community there on the feast of the Assumption.
   
• St. Joseph Catholic School serves kindergarten through eighth grade. For 65 years, the Salesian Sisters led the school until 2011. At that time, Mrs. Brenda Budd assumed leadership of the school and has maintained the Salesian spirit. Fr. Bruce Craig, SDB, celebrated the Mass there on the feast of the Assumption.
   
• Lastly, Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School was founded by the Salesians in 2016. Although the Salesians did not found the Cristo Rey network in its entirety, its mission beautifully melds with the mission of Don Bosco: to serve the young and the poor. The Salesian presence can be often seen and felt around campus but especially at Mass as the priests concelebrated alongside Fr. Josh Sciullo, SDB, as the main celebrant on the feast of the Assumption.

Regardless of where the Salesian priests of the Mary Help community celebrate Mass, the commonality is always the joy, love, and vibrance integrated in every word, smile, and encounter with the young!