Lahore, Pakistan, 17 January 2024 -- On Sunday, 3 December 2023, Bishop Sebastian Shaw administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 46 Hostel Boys in Youhanabad. He spoke to the young men about the importance of this wonderful Sacrament which they had just received.
In the afternoon of the same day, Fr. Noble Lal, SDB, the Rector, left for Islamabad to meet the Swiss ambassador the next day for important discussions. He was anticipated to return to Lahore on Monday evening.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated on 8 December with a Rosary and a Holy Mass that was followed by the launching of the rosary balloon which delighted everybody. It was a special day for all since devotion to Our Lady has always been at the heart of Don Bosco Lahore.
On the evening of 14 December, the seminarians from St. Francis Xavier seminary visited Don Bosco Technical and Youth Centre for Christmas caroling. It was a wonderful opportunity for both communities to share warm Christmas wishes and experience the joy of the season.
The spirit of Christmas continued to flourish as Fr. Noble visited the DAE classes on the 15th. He extended his congratulations to the students for the imaginative and original Christmas decorations which they prepared. The kids’ Christmas program was also held on the same day.
Saturday, 16 December, witnessed all the staff of Don Bosco Technical and Youth Centre gathering in the Chapel at 9 a.m. for a spiritual retreat in preparation for Christmas. The day included a talk on "Make room for Jesus who is coming," personal prayer time, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The staff concluded the day with the traditional "Secret Friend" gift exchange in the Assembly Hall at 12 p.m.
The Christmas Spiritual Retreat for the students took place in the morning of 18 December. It was a time for everyone who joined to spiritually prepare themselves for Christmas celebrations.
As the festivities continued on Wednesday, 20 December, students showcased their creativity and skills in a Christmas Program in the Assembly Hall. The event was followed by another exchange of gifts and a hearty lunch, with almost all the boys from the boarding school returning to their families in the afternoon.
On the eve of Christmas, Fr. Noble and Bro. Piero went to Block F in Youhanabad to celebrate the Christmas vigil Mass.
December had been a busy month for the community of Don Bosco Lahore but it was also a month of blessing and fraternal communion to celebrate the birth of the Saviour.
