Australia: The Salesians, celebrating 75 years of existence in Glenorchy (Tasmania)

On Friday, November 19, celebrations for the seventy-fifth anniversary of the arrival in town of Don Bosco’s first sons were held at “Dominic College” in Glenorchy, Tasmania – an institution entrusted to the Salesians. This was announced today by Ans, the information agency Salesian. The day was marked by three events: the first was the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Rector of the University, Father Bernie Graham and Father Gaetano Riolo, the parish priest. A memorial wall is blessed during the Eucharist, which contains the names of students and staff who died while attending or teaching at the school. The second event was a student gathering to honor all the Salesians who have been part of this educational community over the years, thus strengthening bonds with previous generations and a sense of belonging to a common path. Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions due to Covid-19, none of the Salesians who were members of this community in previous years were able to return for the festivities. In addition, a new school bell, commissioned for the anniversary, whose handle was made by Don Barry Parker of the Glenorchy community, was released. The last event of the evening was for the former students of the institute, with some medals being handed out to thank them for their contribution to the life of the school as volunteers. On this occasion, the book “I Wish We Respect Our Lives” was launched which contains a brief biographical profile of 75 former students who have made or are making a valuable contribution to society, as “honest citizens”, in a wide range of fields. . The 75th-anniversary celebration of its conclusion the following Sunday with the blessing of 94-year-old Father Robert Cormy, the longest-lived member of the community (who has lived there for 34 years), from a new stained-glass window in the Salesian parish church. The work depicts the original building of the school, the parish church, the Salesian motto and the typical Salesian call: “Serve the Lord with joy.”