By Savio Yeung

Macau, China—The Salesian Family in Macau which celebrated the 200th birthday of Don Bosco through an oratory carnival in Tap Sek Square, Macau drew more than 5,000 participants. It was held last April 25, Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist.

The carnival constituted the talent performance of the youth from primary and secondary schools and followed by the opening ceremony and a parade from all the education institutions and the members of the Salesian Family.

The pastor of Macau Diocese Bishop Joseph Lai led the participants to say the opening prayer, giving thanks to God for the presence of Don Bosco’s educational system serving the young people in Macau for the past 110 years.

Regional Councilor, Fr. Vaclav Klement who was having his extraordinary visitation in Macau at the moment, gave the greeting on behalf of Rector Major to all the participants. In the opening ceremony, the principals of nine schools, together with the leaders of other youth centers, social services and Salesian Family members brought the “Bicentenary Status” up to the stage and placing a long queue of “hand in hand” “heart to heart,” signifying the symbol of continuing the mission of Don Bosco by the Salesian Family in the education of the young in Macau.

According to the statistics from the Educational Bureau of Macau, the number of young people in the initial education under the care of the Salesian Family institutions is around 7,613 which constitutes about 11.48% of the total number of young people in the initial education. Don Bosco’s educational system has rooted in Macau for 110 years since 1906 started by Don Versiglia, is still taking an important role in Macau.

The carnival was prepared for six months, which took some finishing touches in the afternoon of April 24. It took off started with the opening celebration of young volunteers as well as the youth workers from Don Bosco Youth Village, Coloane at exactly 1:30 in the afternoon. Immediately after the cheer, all the activities started without stopping until 8:00 PM.

The Carnival was very successful with many special arrangements for the young people and kids: parade, you people showcasing their talent in singing, dancing, brass band, skillful yo-yo playing, rope dancing, rock climbing for kids, 3D photo with Don Bosco, parenting activities, muppet DIY and show and a lot more! All these made the carnival celebration reminiscent of the Valdocco spirit, happiness was evident on the faces of the participants.

The celebrations took place in the Tap Sek Square for the entire day. It closed with the dancing and joyful spirit evident in the faces of the youth volunteers.

Viva Don Bosco in mezzo a noi….