(ANS – Terrassa) – On 30 September the celebrations began for the 50th anniversary of the presence of the Salesians  in Terrassa, Spain.

For the occasion Mass was celebrated at which Bishop Joan Godayol SDB, retired Bishop of Ayaviri, Perú, presided and among the concelebrants were Fr Joan Codina, Provincial of the Salesians in Barcellona Fr Rufino López, Rector and parish priest of Terrassa, and other Salesians. Among those present were the new Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Barcellona, Sr. Lourdes Ruiz de Gauna.

With a congregation of about 300 faithful from the parish Bishop Godayol recalled the great significance of the house in the area and its commitment to the young, a characteristic of the Salesian charism. “It is a work,” Bishop Godayol said, “with good foundations but it needs to be attentive to the new needs of the young. We have another 50 years!”

Afterwards in the theatre of the Salesian Institute, there was a commemorative event in which the history of the place was recalled, and especially the role of various Salesians who had dedicated their lives to it. Special thanks were also expressed to the Past Pupils who made the start of the work possible. In addition an exhibition was opened tracing the half century story of the Salesian presence in Terrassa, a work that began in order to care for the needs of the children of immigrants from Andalusia who settled in the city.

Published 03/10/2007