By Fr. Václav Klement, SDB
As the diversity of our EAO region is telling us, also the diversity of the 200th Birthday of Don Bosco is wonderfully rich. There are four larger pilgrim groups enjoying this once-a-life occasion of the SYM Don Bosco 2015 in Torino – Becchi (Like Don Bosco – With the Young – For the Young) representing our EAO Region Salesian Youth Movement. There are all about 70 young people accompanied by SDB and FMA from China, Korea, Japan and from the Philippines. Also a larger contingent of 120 members of CIN province Salesian Family pilgrim group – that takes part in the Mary Help of Christian Congress, SYM Don Bosco 2015 and also in the Meeting of the Salesian Cooperators World Council in Turin with the Rector Major. It’s meaningful to see the 5000 young people from 54 countries to pray together, listen to many testimonials as well to the interviews with Bishop Luc Van Looy, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai and taking group pictures with the Rector Major Fr. Ángel.
According the external situation some of the St. John Bosco Schools or Parishes already celebrated ‘their’ great day of DB200 last January or other special date during this year of 2015.
However the Feast of Don Bosco is a special occasion in the vibrant Parishes dedicated to St. John Bosco like St. Yohannes Bosco Paroki in Jakarta, St. John Bosco Parishes or Public Churches in Manila – Makati and Tondo, Taiwan - Taipei, Bangkok and many others.
Probably only in Vietnam these celebration dates (like every year) are an occasion for first professions: on August 15 there are 9 newly professed Salesians and 8 perpetual professions on August 16 in HCM City, including 3 missionaries ad gentes who returned for this occasion.
In some provinces are going on in these days the provincial celebrations usually prepared by all groups of the Salesian Family together with the young people: Melbourne – Chadston (AUL) on August 16, Thailand – Banpong (THA) on August 14-15; Solomon Islands – Honiara (PNG-SI) on Aug 14-16, Korea – Seoul / Kwangju on Aug 16.
Probably the longest celebration does happen in Port Moresby (PNG-SI) through the whole week: “At DBTI we started a week-long celebration on Monday, 10 August: A talent show, a Don Bosco Quiz, an open house, a cultural day, an oratory day, a sports day and a Don Bosco musical 'Man of vision'. Over this weekend is taking place a big youth camp at DBTI – East Boroko. Finally, on Don Boscos Birthday we will celebrate a grand Eucharist in the newly erected sport stadium with many, many people. The Apostolic Nuncio will be the main celebrant. Afterwards is a (second!) big motorcade through the streets of the PNG capital Port Moresby is planned” (Br. Reto Wanner).
With the young people and Don Bosco at the centre culminate the 200th Birthday Celebration of our Father. Let’s enjoy, let’s listen to the voice of the Spirit to harvest the fruits of this Jubilee Year. The recently released letter of the Rector Major (ACG n.421) ‘Five fruits of the Bicentenary’ – already in English, Korean and Vietnamese translations – helps us to look forward with a dreaming heart of Don Bosco.
