The Rector Major expressed deep gratitude for the creation of the Dream Park, a remarkable gift to the young people of the Synod and the world, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco’s dream. The Dream Park, designed as an inverted amphitheatre made of Brazilian Massaranduba wood, is strategically located overlooking Don Bosco’s childhood home and the shrine of Mary Help of Christians. This thoughtfully crafted space invites young people and visitors alike to reflect, meditate, and find inspiration in the dream that shaped Don Bosco's life and legacy.
The team behind the realization of this innovative Dream Park was honoured for their dedication and vision. As part of the park’s creation, the original painting of Don Bosco’s dream by the artist Crida, discovered in the house’s archives, was restored, printed, and placed in the monument built in 1928 to commemorate the first centenary of Don Bosco’s dream.
The blessing ceremony of the Field of Dreams was imbued with a Marian theme, beginning with a reading of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) and featuring several Marian hymns. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as three Young Participants of the Synod recited Don Bosco’s recounting of his dream, starting from the moment Jesus appeared to him. Hearing these words in the very place where the dream occurred, and in Don Bosco’s own words, brought the dream vividly to life for all present.
Cardinal Ángel, standing alongside representatives from the three branches of the religious congregation founded by Don Bosco—the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), and the Salesian Cooperators—imparted a solemn blessing on the new amphitheatre. The gathered assembly then joined together in singing “Padre, Maestro ed Amico,” a hymn celebrating Don Bosco.
Fr. Thatti Reddy, the Rector of Colle Don Bosco, provided a brief history of the project, linking it to the bicentennial of Don Bosco’s dream. Mayor Umberto of Castelnuovo Don Bosco also shared a few heartfelt words, expressing his amazement at the international gathering of young people and the global reach of Don Bosco’s influence. He encouraged the young participants to further immerse themselves in Don Bosco’s world by visiting the plazas, churches, and paths he once walked, deepening their connection to his legacy.
Cardinal Ángel remarked that gazing at Don Bosco’s humble childhood home in the background, he was struck by the thought that God chose such a poor and insignificant place to bring forth an extraordinary plan. He assured the young people that God has similar plans for their lives, turning their dreams into something great, just as He did with Don Bosco’s.
The dedication of the Dream Park at Colle Don Bosco serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of Don Bosco’s dream. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of dreams when they are aligned with God’s will, inspiring young people around the world to dream big and trust in God’s plan for their lives.
