(ANS – Lviv) – On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 February the newly erected Greek Catholic Ukraine (UKR) Circumscription celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco for the first time. They were two days marked by enthusiasm and the broad involvement of youth and others close to the Salesian work.

All Salesian Family Groups and many young people were involved in celebrating the founder of the Salesian Congregation. The Mayor of Lviv, the Hon. Andriy Sadovyj, and other local authorities were present. There were various displays and activities aimed at presenting and understanding the pedagogy of the Saint of youth

The video commentary on the Strenna 2013 was shown on Saturday, and its message discussed. ADMA was presented – one of the Salesian Family Groups founded by Don Bosco himself. Amongst other activities we can note the awareness-raising of young people and others helping Salesian work, regarding the pilgrimage of the Casket of Don Bosco in the country, an event that will take place in April. School principals throughout the city were invited to the Feast, and members of the Salesian community offered them availability in preparing teachers of Christian ethics in State schools.

In the afternoon youth from Salesian Youth Centres put on a recital called “The Master Grove”, a musical fable focused on Don Bosco's educational activity amidst today's young people. There were 600 youth who attended the show, showing much interest and enthusiasm.

On Sunday 3 February there was a solemn liturgy celebrated by the doyen of Ukraine's bishops Archbishop Andriy Sapelak sdb, Eparch of Saint Mary's, Buenos Aires. During the ceremony three people made their promise as Salesian Cooperators thus increasing the number of this group which has already been in existence for some years in the Ukraine and which stands out for its energy.

The local Salesian Family today can look to the future optimistically: there is a growing desire to know the saintly educator better, his charism and his Preventive System; there is also growing interest in the Salesians and there are more and more requests coming fro them to work amongst the young.

Published 08/02/2013