(ANS – Sahuayo) – On Saturday 21 January at the Don Bosco Institute in Sahuayo, celebrations began for the 50th  anniversary of the presence of the Salesians in the city .  Fr Salvador Cleofás Murguía Villalobos, Provincial of the Salesians in Mexico-Guadalajara (MEG), presided at a solemn Mass at which over 25 priests from various Congregations concelebrated, including many of the Salesians who either worked or found their vocation there.

Inn his homily the Provincial spoke about the importance of the Salesian house in Sahuayo for the townspeople and for society for several generations He also emphasised the need for the various works undertaken by the house in the  local area, preparing men and women able to cope with the evils and the violence in the country, and who are  convinced that a different society is possible.

At the end of Mass messages of congratulations and good wishes were read from Fr Filiberto González Plascencia – former Provincial of MEG and at present the  General Councillor for Social Communication in the  Salesian Congregation – and from Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major.

After Mass in a family spirit there was a social gathering with the representatives of the Salesian Family youth and apostolic groups and various  benefactors and friends of the house. Among the guests was the President of the Local Council, Francisco Sánchez Sánchez.

This was also an occasion to present various gifts to the benefactors and co-workers who in these 50 years have in many different ways distinguished themselves in their support for Salesian work.

At the end of the day Fr Felipe Plascencia, the Rector observed: “Everything has been very beautiful.  The thanks expressed to so many people who have worked has been very significant and in general there has been an atmosphere of thanksgiving to God for the  past and the desire to receive other blessings for the future.”

Among the events planned to mark the 50th anniversary is also the traditional celebration in honour of Don Bosco, to be held next Sunday, 29 January.

Published 26/01/2012