The community of Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, better known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, are this year commemorating the 50th anniversary from the establishment of their community in Gozo.
This presence on our islands has recently been extended to the mainland through the formation of another community in Sliema, which community is collaborating with the Salesians of Don Bosco in their pastoral work among youths through their Oratory in Sliema.
The Mother General of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Yvonne Reungoat accompanied by Mother Provincial Sr Marinella Scano came to Malta on a short visit to mark this memorable occasion. They attended for a Thanksgiving Mass concelebrated at Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary on Saturday, the 5th of October.
Mgr Charles J Scicluna, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta led the concelebration. Other concelebrants included Fr. Paul Formosa, Salesian Delegate for Malta and other Salesians of Don Bosco together with a number of Gozitan priests, amongst whom those who offer regular services to the salesian sisters’ community in Gozo.
The occasion was also marked by a significant presence of families whose children attended or are still attending Laura Vicuna School together with a considerable number of past pupils and cooperators, a number of whom were amongst the first group of children who started to attend the Sisters’ Oratory in Victoria 50 years ago.
Another significant moment was the presentation of flowers and a symbolic candle laid by Mother General in front of the devotional titular painting of our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, at the end of the concelebration.
The celebrations continued on Sunday, the 6th of October, with a buffet lunch at the Hotel ta’ Cenc in Sannat.
The establishment of the Salesian Sisters was fostered by the generosity of Miss Olimpia Bondì, daughter of Arturo and Maria neè Sammut about 55 years ago. Miss Bondì generously donated her family’s residence together with other assets in order to be able to welcome the first community of the Salesian Sisters in Gozo.
The Congregation of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians was founded by St John Bosco and Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello 141 years ago. Fifty years ago, on ther 30th October 1963, Miss Bondí opened her house to the first sisters who would form the first Salesian Sisters Community on our islands. Sr Rose Oliveri, an American nun, who was the first Superior of this community, still forms part of the present community in Gozo.
Through their work, the Salesian Sisters endeavour to practice the principles of preventive education as established and promoted by Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. Apart from running of the Kindergarden and primary classes at Laura Vicuna School, the sisters also hold cathecism classes and other activities for young girls.
Another two important aspects that foster contiued communication with the community are the Past Pupils and Cooperators groups, holding various regular meetings and activities throughout the year. Many of them joined the sisters and other guests for a social activity during which Mother Reungoat explained how her presence on our islands signifies the participation of the local salesian communities within the worldwide endeavours of the Salesian Congregation. She expressed her satisfaction with regards the significant participation for both these events and explained how this participation encompasses all those present within the salesian spirit, especially connected with work among chilren and young people.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary from the establishment of the Salesian Sisters in Gozo falls amongst the celebration of another two significant anniversaries in the Salesian calendar. These include the preparations for the celebration of the 2nd centenary from Don Bosco’s birth which falls in 2015 and a year after the 140th anniversay from the establishment of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
Photographs – The Photoshop.