(ANS - Moatize) - The bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco in Mozambique ended with a grand celebration in the city of Moatize, in Tete province, with the participation of groups of the Salesian Family, young people and the faithful. During the Eucharist the first Salesian brother native of Mozambique made his perpetual profession.

The main event was the Eucharistic celebration on 16 August at which Fr Marco Biaggi, Provincial of Madagascar presided. Fr Artur Pereira, Provincial of Portugal, concelebrated. Various groups of the Salesian Family participated, including FMA, Association of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils and groups inspired by Don Bosco, the Salesian Youth Movement and the general faithful.

In his homily Fr Pereira launched a message of hope that the legacy of Don Bosco would continue.  "200 years ago a child was born to whom God gave great wisdom, intelligence and a heart as large as the sand on the seashore, filled of love for young people, especially for those who are poor, abandoned and in danger. Now his work is now known throughout the world. How do you explain this? ". Don Pereira responded with verses of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa: "God wills, man dreams, the work is born"; so it was with the work of Don Bosco.

After the homily Fr Francisco Lourenço celebrated 50 years of religious life and Bro. Domingos Joaquim Mouzinho made his perpetual profession as a Salesian Brother, the first native of Mozambique to do so. Bro. Mouzinho received the Bible, a sign of commitment to proclaiming the Word of God, especially among the young.

Published 02/09/2015