The day began with the mass in the parish church of Our Lady of the Rosary, which the Rector Major celebrated with Fr Joseph Nguyen Thinh Phuoc, the Councillor for the East Asia-Oceania Region; the provincial of Australia, Fr William Matthews; Fr Frank Bertagnolli, who has now earned the title of 'personal translator' in the field; Fr Brendon Murphy, Interim Director, and the newly ordained Salesians, Fr Jeff Miller and Fr Joseph Hướng.
Following the theme of the story of the disciples on their way to Emmaus, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, recounted his own personal journey, visiting Salesians all over the world. He mentioned how only one of the two apostles were named by the evangelist Luke so that all believers may slip into the shoes of the apostle, walking alongside Jesus throughout their life’s journey.
After the Mass, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime together with the entire congregation assembled moved across the street to the Don Bosco Youth Centre, to celebrate 100 years of Salesian presence in Australia and 30 years of presence in the suburb of St Mary’s, with parishioners and regular patrons of the Youth Centre community. Several hundred people took part in a great banquet, as the squeals of joy and laughter from young people playing basketball or jumping on the trampolines could be heard around the great hall.
After a few short speeches, the entertainment began with a song led by the local youth group choir, to the applause of many. Fr Jeff Miller then explained that breakdancing would be introduced at the next Olympics and that the team representing Australia would perform. The performance of the athletes brought great joy to the assembled crowd, which was thrilled by the feats of physical strength and agility.
Always a musician, Fr Á.F. Artime, performed by playing the guitar and, calling the young people for a dance, animated them with two songs, bringing lot of joy and smiles to the faces of all present. Then it was the time of cake cutting, and naturally this gesture was entrusted to the guests of honour, the Rector Major and a contingent of young people.
After a few more musical acts, the celebrations came to close, and with them, the Rector Major's stay in Sydney. He now travels to Melbourne, to continue his journey to participate in the centenary of Australian Salesianity with even more members of Don Bosco’s great family!
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