by Fr Noble Lal, SDB
The students had made a great rosary chain. The beads were made of balloons which, at the end of the prayer, were released into the air. The prayer initiative was organized in order to promote devotion and love of Our Lady. It also evoked cheers in honour of the patron saint of youth ("Don Bosco Zindabad" in the local language).
The Salesian technical school in Lahore, which hosted the Living Rosary, is recognized as one of the best institutions in the polytechnic sector of Pakistan. On 29 October, just two days before the Living Rosary, the school hosted a contest of skill for 32 competing schools (including the Salesian school). The Don Bosco Institute was given an award by the National Technical-Professional Education Commission of Pakistan (NAVTTC).
The NAVTTC is a government institution intended to improve the workforce of Pakistani youth, by developing the skills of boys and girls. To this end, the institution also grants scholarships for students who want to acquire technical skills.
During the competition at the Salesian centre, two pupils of the school were awarded the 1st and 2nd place in the plumbing industry and received awards directly from Mr Zulfqar Ahmad Cheema, Executive Director NAVTTC.
The charism of Don Bosco has a bright future in Pakistan, not only in the technical field, but also in promoting peace and unity between Muslims and Christians.
