(ANS – Punta Arenas) – On Thursday 5 September the community of the Don Bosco Institute (IDB) sang a solemn Te Deum to mark the first century of the history of the work. The celebration included a history of one hundred years of pastoral educative ministry, a presentation of the multi-cultural identity of Punta Arenas, music and song as an expression of gratitude to God for his blessings on the work.

The Te Deum was one of the principal events of the festivities. The attendance included the Provincial of Chile, Fr Alberto Lorenzelli, the Rector of IDB, Fr Sergio Astorga, the Rectors of other communities from the whole country, all united around the local Bishop, Bernardo Bastres Florence, SDB.

The thanksgiving ceremony concentrated on the history of the Institute, its pastoral commitment based on Don Bosco’s Preventive System and on the role of IDB in the Magellan region, through education and technical instruction.

Worthy of special mention was the Centenary Choir of the IDB, directed by the music teacher, Luis Santana,  and made up of thirty members all connected with IDB. Their rendering of the Te Deum earned the applause of all present.

The ceremony included also some items from the various families linked to the institute, characterized by the traditional attire of the different cultures to be found in the city and surrounding areas – Croat, Indigenous, Italian, Spanish, Gaucho, Chilote and modern.

The celebration ended with homage to Mary and the hymn of the institute, accompanied by the school band.

The celebrations for the centenary of IDB will reach their high point at the end of the month with the visit of the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Adrian Bregolin.

Published 12/09/2013