In the morning at 9.15 am the Rector Major blessed the Marian grotto at Don Bosco Technical High School, 8th Street. The Grotto is erected as a Sign of Gratitude to Mother Mary and as an inspirational presence of Mary for the young people who frequent the school. It was followed by a solemn Holy Eucharistic celebration with the students of both the Salesian schools, parents, staff and well-wishers of the institutions. The Eucharistic celebration was attended by a large gathering.
While welcoming all to the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Pottenplackal, the Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Technical High School, said, “It is a happy occasion for all us in Liberia because Don Bosco is present among us in the person of the Rector Major and it is a wonderful blessing for all of us, an encouragement to continue in our endeavours and live our calling to the full.” Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime in his homily greeted everyone and began with the question: “Do you know who Don Bosco is?”
He went one to say that Don Bosco was a simple priest who loved God, loved Jesus and dreamed of helping children and that dream became a reality in more than 130 countries today. He stressed the fact that his visit to Sierra Leone and Liberia was prompted by the experience of the Ebola crisis and his need to express that our life is important and appreciate all that you did. He further said that Don Bosco endeavoured to build a future for the young and we want all Salesian houses to prepare young people for life with God in their heart, mature enough to meet the challenges of life. He also said, “My wish for each of you is to be very happy from within”.
The mass was followed by a felicitation program. Students of both schools entertained the gathering with songs, dances and cultural performances. Representatives of the staff of the institutions, past pupils, parents, and the Assistant Minister of Education thanked the Rector Major and the Salesians of Don Bosco for their contribution to the education of the young people in Liberia. “Education is the bedrock of a nation and Don Bosco institutions have renewed hope for the students and the whole of Liberia by educating the young people of this land” said Mr. Darryl Ambrose Nmah, the president of the Parent Teacher Association. Mr. Trokon Macgee, president of the Past Pupils association, remarked, “Don Bosco has left a legacy of building lives. Many have made headway in life only because they went through Don Bosco and we gratefully appreciate the presence of the Rector Major.”
The Rector Major spent the second half of the day at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Matadi interacting with the young people of the Youth centre, school and oratory. The young people showcased their sporting skills and talents. He also blessed and opened a borehole in the Matadi community for the poor people of the locality. The day climaxed in the promise and acceptance of seven (7) new Salesian co-operators. After he received the promise of the new co-operators the Rector Major exhorted them to bring Salesian identity to their life situation. He reminded them that this is a vocation, a gift of the Holy Spirit and thanked them for their witness. He further invited them to bring many others to Salesian Charismatic life by their testimony of life.
