The simple ceremony, presided over by the new President of "Mission Don Bosco", Fr Daniel Antúnez, saw the participation of over 250 young people, who sang and participated in the blessing of the backpacks - "a small space in which Jesus must also find a place", as pointed out by Fr Enrico Lupano, who led the prayer.
The representative of the high school students, Lola, explained the gift’s meaning to the younger students. “Why water bottles? Because water is very important, it should not be wasted, gestures of respect must be made for those who do not ordinarily have this resource”, turning our thoughts to people in poor countries who have little access to drinking water. "But there is also another value," added the student: "these are bottles that replace plastic ones."
"Missioni Don Bosco" thus leaves a sort of reminder in pupils’ hands, prompting them to think of a world that calls for rebalancing resources and goods from the point of view of society and the environment.
A similar experience had already been made last year at the "Agnelli Institute of Turin” and accompanied the raising of awareness on the issues of fraternity.
Every bottle and every bag has a space to write one’s name, not only for hygienic reasons – which is always important, and today more than ever, because of the pandemic; but also to individualize the responsibilities one assumes by receiving this gift. The song that was the background to this gift spoke precisely of a "call by name" to walk in the educational community that draws its values from the Christian vocation.
This program was enacted in the morning for the pupils of the middle school and high school entrusted to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
For more information, please visit: www.missionidonbosco.org
