(ANS – Bilbao) –  The Bilbao City Administration chose 30 January, the vigil of Don Bosco's Feast Day, as the date for officially opening the “Don Bosco Roundabout”. Lthe event also marked the beginning of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Salesians in Deusto, Bilbao. The City wanted to use this as a way of recognising the work the Salesians have achieved and still do for education of you and of society in general.

The Mayor of Bilbao, Dr. Iñaki Azkuna, the Provincial of Bilbao, Fr Félix Urra, the Salesian Rector at Deusto, Fr Isaac Diez and the President of the Parents and Friends Association at the school, Mr Germán Núñez were all present for the event. And of course there were many students from the school, members of the Salesian community, the Salesian Family, and other people involved with the Centre and the Province.

The Don Bosco Roundabout is located very close to the Salesian centre in Deusto, at the intersection of Avenida Lehendakari Aguirre and Plaza Ugarteko. It was put there more than ten years ago as part of the so-called “Deusto lower variation”, but never had a name as such.

During the ceremony, Mr Germán Núñez said that “Don Bosco and the Salesian Centre in Deusto are and will continue to be a reminder of how to work happily and professionally for the all-round education of the young, taking particular care of trade and technical education so the new generations can better fit in with society and work  and the human, social and economic development of our city”.

The Mayor spoke at the end, giving the roundabout its name. Dr Azkuna recalled the work the Salesians have done and are doing in Bilbao and underlined the fact that this roundabout now carries the name “Don Bosco” – indeed, “St John Bosco” – respecting the way young people refer to the Saint. “This roundabout belongs to a Saint, Patron of technical education, and whose feast we celebrate tomorrow”, the Mayor concluded.

Pupils from the primary school brought the ceremony to a conclusion singing: “It's a Feast; it is always a Feast with you”.

In the afternoon celebrations began for the 75th anniversary of the Deusto Centre. Many institutions took part in the official opening event in a family atmosphere – authorities from this Basque autonomous region, and from the city and diocese. The praised the ability of the Salesians to adapt to the circumstances they are working in, and their clear objective in offering young people a holistic education which is more than just ideas but respectful of the attitudes of individuals, and always aimed at forming “good Christians and honest citizens”.

Published 07/02/2013