St. John Bosco Feast was celebrated in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Saint Esprit) in İstanbul on Sunday, January 30, with a liturgy directed by the Acting Apostle of Istanbul, Monsignor Massimiliano Palinuro.
Priests and congregations from various churches attended the service, which was hosted by the Salesian priests and their congregation. It was worth seeing that the children were blessed by Monsignor Massimiliano Palinuro, especially at the end of the ceremony, in which the Cathedral and Notre Dame de Lourdes Church choir enlivened with hymns.
In his sermon, Monsignor Massimiliano Palinuro stated that a life dedicated to abandoned and poor children continues to bear fruit in Salesian schools all over the world today, giving examples especially from Saint Bosco’s understanding of education. He thanked the priests of the Salesian community, Don Nicola, Don Jacky, Don Simon and Don Joseph, and Don Franco, who had recently gone to the Lord, for their devoted service to the Salesian community in Istanbul. (Photos: Buğra Poyraz)
A Life Dedicated to Children
Don Bosco develops the idea that intellectual and vocational education prevents crime – an idea that seemed fairly new for its time. For this, the pedagogue must have a close relationship with young people, be kind to them, and trust them while waiting for each to bring out their best capacity. In this regard, Don Bosco is seen among the great educators and pedagogues of the XIX. century.
He died in Turin on January 31, 1888, after dedicating his entire life to the education of young children born in disadvantaged environments and founding the Institute of St.
Salesians also continue their services at the Cathedral (Saint Esprit Church) and Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Istanbul. (Deacon Father Burhan/Istanbul Latin Catholic Episcopate)
