Toronto: Salesian Family Celebrates the Feast of Don Bosco

By Mariel Cabrera, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, St. Benedict’s Parish, Etobicoke, ON

The Salesian Family in Toronto, ON, Canada, which includes SDBs, FMAs, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA, Past Pupils (from DB Toronto, Philippines, Colombia, India, and China), VIDES, Salesian Youth Ministry, and parishioners and family members from St. Benedict Parish, beautifully celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto, 95 households participated in the traditional Mass, renewal of Cooperators’ promises, and fellowship over a warm lunch in the parish hall of St Benedict’s in Etobicoke, ON over Zoom.

We offer a word of thanks to our provincial, Fr. Tim Zak, who offered a welcoming greeting for all in attendance. A warm thanks to Sr. Francine Guilmette, who presented the Rector Major’s 2021 Strenna with special attention on us, the Salesian Family, to be the bearers of hope to others during these challenging times. Additionally, guest witness speaker Nadia Gundert, Coordinator of Youth Ministry from the Archdiocese of Kingston, shared how the Salesian charism has shaped her upbringing, family life, outlook in ministry, and passion to serve the youth and young adults she encounters. Many thanks to Jonathan, a youth leader for the Salesian Sisters in Cornwall, ON, on how he tangibly and practically lives out the Strenna “moved by hope” by serving selflessly in various charities in his area. Fr. John Mariapragasam, Director of the Etobicoke Community, celebrated Mass with the help of young adults from the Salesian Youth Ministry. Thank you also to the Salesian Cooperators, who renewed their promises witnessed by many of the Salesian Family in attendance, to continue living the Salesian charism everywhere they go and bringing it to everyone they encounter.

The Salesian Family Consulta team in Toronto meets monthly for formation and networking. Their goal is to collaborate on events and projects (like the Feast Day) so that the love of God, brought in the style of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, reaches many youngsters, families, and the community.