By Fr Vaclav Klement, SDB

General House, Rome, 23 June 2016 -- On the Feast-day of Don Bosco, Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24) is traditionally celebrated a thanksgiving day of our Rector Major. After the GC27 it became a family gathering of the two communities depending on the Rector Major - Blessed Michael Rua (General house) and St. Francis de Sales (Vatican). This year the celebrations happen on June 23rd.

In a family atmosphere, with a decorated chapel and recent photos of the Rector Major and 7 confreres who celebrate their special jubilee or religious life or ordination, Fr. Angel presided the evening Eucharist. A brief homily of the RM was also of a thanksgiving to all large community members who are at the service of the RM and the Vatican, that means also of the Congregation and the Universal Church. The presence of few Don Bosco Past Pupils (World Council), who celebrate also their Birthday on June 24th, was also very meaningful.

The 'academy' of songs in different languages and sharing of the jubilarians was conducted by Fr. Motto. Especially a simple greeting of the 92 years old Br. Renato Celato (75 years of religious profession), who is already 58 years at the service of the Rector Majors, was very much appreciated.

The Blessed Michael Rua community, directly depending on the Rector Major, has always about 50 confreres, also this year there are many newcomers and some who are leaving after few years of their service. At present time there are only Br. Ephrem and Fr. Alfred from the EAO region.

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