Tampa: The Spirit of Don Bosco is Alive

By Chioma Okoye, Director of Communications, Mary Help of Christians Center, Tampa, FL

(Tampa, FL – February 7) – Mary Help of Christians Tampa (the Center) celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco to the fullest! Each of the works around campus hosted different events in which the entire Mary Help and Salesian community could attend and celebrate our Founder in various ways.

On Friday, January 28, Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School (Cristo Rey) celebrated by having a school-wide Mass followed by breakfast, a talent show, games on the lakefront, and lunch prepared and served by the faculty.

Also on Friday night, the Center hosted their annual Don Bosco Gala in the gymnasium. The night kicked off with a Cristo Rey student singing the national anthem and giving a personal witness talk about how her school and Salesian faith has shaped her life. Each year, a special honoree is chosen, and this year’s honoree was Dcn. Ed Anctil of our Mary Help of Christians Parish. It was a beautiful night filled with laughter, Salesian spirituality, and community.

On Sunday, January 30, the parish hosted their annual Don Bosco Festival on the lakefront. The day began in the gymnasium with the annual Feast of Don Bosco Mass concelebrated by the Salesian priests on campus including those from the St. Philip Residence. At the end of Mass, we gave out the traditional Mama Margaret awards. These awards go to women who embody the spirit of Mama Margaret by giving freely of themselves in service to Mary Help of Christians Tampa.

After Mass, everyone headed outside to the Don Bosco Festival which included an international food festival, games, and entertainment. Students from Villa Madonna, our Salesian primary school run by the Salesian Sisters, performed a song from their yearly school musical. It was a beautiful afternoon in which Salesian Family came together to celebrate our Patron, St. John Bosco!

On the Feast Day night, young adults hosted a Mass and dinner to celebrate and share their Salesian faith with other young people of the diocese. In all, it was a weekend that perfectly encapsulated our Salesian charism as well as this year’s Strenna, "Do all through love, nothing through constraint." A special thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and Salesian Family that came together to honor our beloved Founder! Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us! St. John Bosco, pray for us!

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