(ANS – Cochabamba) – The Salesian Family in Bolivia celebrated the anniversary of Don Bosco's birth on 18 August at Cochabamba, as part of the preparation for the Bicentenary. It was the 25th anniversary of the Don Bosco College band.

Festivities began with Mass in the cathedral, Cochabamba. Fr Esteban Ortiz, Regional for Interamerica, was the main celebrant. He is currently engaged in the Extraordinary Visitation of the Province. Then there was a long procession with Don Bosco's statue, traversing some 2 kms through the city centre.

Four bands escorted the procession and a large number of students and teachers, youngsters from the oratories and the Salesian Youth Movement, and many Salesian Family members joined the procession.

Towards midday the statue of Don Bosco made its entrance into the College, and once in the courtyard, Fr Miguel A. Herrero then blessed the banners and the band. In mid-afternoon ten different bands began their presentations, each playing three numbers: A march, a national item and one in honour of Don Bosco

Amongst the Salesian establishments taking part in the band festival were: Dominic Savio school, Santa Cruz, Diminic Savio school La Paz, Don Bosco College Sucre, and Saints Dominic Savio, and Don Bosco Colleges Cochabamba. Then there were also the Past Pupils' band, the Pacífico Feleti band from the Don Bosco Popular Schools, and other invited groups.

It was a day when the youngsters were very much in the forefront and the musical tribute to Don Bosco was full of colour, life, enthusiasm and youthful involvement.

Published 22/08/2012