(ANS – Bamberg) – “Don Bosco lives today…!?“ was the motto of this historical event that took place from 5th to 7th of June: for the first time some 120 former Don Bosco Volunteers met in the big top of Don Bosco Jugendwerk in Bamberg. All of them had served for one year in a Don Bosco House – abroad or in Germany. The three-day-festival took place to mark the Bicentenary and to celebrate Don Bosco’s birthday. And it shows clearly that Don Bosco’s spirit today is stronger than ever.

No matter if their service took place last year or ten years ago, if it was in Malawi, Cambodia or in the Salesianum of Munich: The atmosphere in the big top and on the premises around was cheerful and sometimes even euphoric. The weather was bright and hot. The organizing team, consisting of former Don Bosco Volunteers and coordinated by Don Bosco Bonn, was committed and diligent. And last but not least the hospitality of the pedagogical team of Don Bosco Bamberg contributed to an inspiring weekend for all participants.

A laid-back barbecue on the lawn and a classy gala dinner in the big top created a beautiful atmosphere and appropriate grandeur. But the central feature of the festival was five workshops on the question: What would Don Bosco do today? Recalling the fact that Don Bosco challenged his contemporaries when taking the option for marginalized young people, the workshops dealt with challenging issues of our time: refugees in Europe, critique of capitalism, spirituality and social entrepreneurship. Among the expert speakers there was one of outstanding popularity in the Salesian World: the Economer General, Bro. Jean Paul Muller SDB. He spoke talked about the main priority of the Salesian Society: How to get young people from the margins of society right into the centre?

The event closed on Sunday with a festival service, celebrated by the German Provincial Father Josef Grünner SDB, who hosted the festival.

“Sometimes it’s hard to stay connected with the spirit of Don Bosco but for me this weekend was absolutely motivating”, says Magdalena Strauch, Don Bosco Volunteer in 2006 in Mumbai, India.

Doing voluntary service at home or abroad may differ in the experience but for many of the volunteers it marks the beginning of or fosters a responsible way of life for the good of young people and of society.

Published 18/06/2015