PHOTO ARCHIVES
Mekele, Ethiopia - 1979 - This photograph shows a group of people in front of the Don Bosco Technical School in the town of Mekele, Tigray Region. In particular, the moment of the building's opening is portrayed. The event is documented, as the back of the photo clearly reads: 'Opening of the Don Bosco Technical School'. This document, along with other pictures, is part of a typed letter in Italian from the Salesian community in Mekele, dated 15 August 1979. The letter also expresses gratitude for the help received in launching the Salesian presence in Ethiopia. In addition to reporting on the inauguration of the school, the Salesian writing also sets out other concrete projects, such as those concerning agricultural schools, water wells and aqueducts, building houses for the poor and many others.
Panama - 1952 - A large and well-attended procession in honour of Don Bosco filled the streets of Panama City on 31 January 1952, to celebrate the feast of the Saint of Youth.
Lisbon, Portugal - 1956 - In 1956, celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Oficinas de São José were held in the new premises in Alto dos Prazeres. Bishop Manuel Maria Ferreira da Silva, bishop of Cizico at the time, and numerous Salesians, including Fr Agenor Vieira Pontes (visible in the front row), Fr Luís Maffini and Fr Paulo Colussi, also took part in the event.
León, Spain – 1966 – This image shows the interior of the chapel of the former Salesian house in La Robla (León), with a close-up on the altar decorated by artist Vela Zanetti (1913-1999). The mural, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians, is a modernised Marian version which bears some similarities to one of the paintings in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. It is the only religious mural signed by Vela Zanetti, dated 10 April 1966. The Salesians had arrived in La Robla two years earlier, in 1964, and ran the Buen Suceso Vocational Training School for more than 36 years. The Salesian presence in La Robla ended, finally, in 2001.