As in every feast of Don Bosco, the central moment was the Eucharist, during which a young Salesian renewed his vows and two other young people were sent to their mission. Those who were unable to participate in person in the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Provincial, Fr Alfonso Bauer, SDB, were able to join spiritually thanks to the live broadcast on YouTube and Facebook.

At the beginning of his homily, Fr Bauer invited us to remember the date of January 26, 1854, when “Don Bosco chose four boys for a trial run: with the help of the Lord and St. Francis de Sales, experience a practical exercise of charity with one’s neighbor ... And from that night on, those who chose to pursue this exercise were called Salesians.”

 “How nice to hear and feel that so many feel themselves 'Salesians'. Perhaps earlier it referred only to men and women religious, but it is much more faithful to the wishes of Don Bosco, who thought of a vast movement in favor of young people, that animators, lay people, educators, past pupils, mothers, fathers, and many others say 'I am a Salesian',” the Provincial emphasized. In his homily, he thus encouraged those who feel Salesians to ask themselves "how to be a little more Salesian, a little better, a little more authentic ... because it is not a question of feeling oneself Salesian, but of being truly Salesians.”

And so he also added that “Don Bosco had only one idea in his mind and heart, one passion: young people - to educate, to find work for, food and clothing, education and to bring closer to the encounter with the Lord ... In short, he wanted the salvation of young people, made up of love for life, love given and received,” he said.

In conclusion, he also affirmed that “educational love is the most beautiful inheritance that Don Bosco leaves to the world and to the Church”; and that “as Salesians, we are called to live the 'Da mihi animas, cetera tolle', with kindness and gentleness.”

After the homily, a large image of Don Bosco was placed on the stage beside the altar, while the children and young people with torches in their hands headed towards that space. There, Wilson Prestes, SDB, 28, from Rivera, in the north of the country, renewed his vows of chastity and poverty, as a Salesian of Don Bosco.

And again in that same place, towards the end of the celebration, two young people were sent on their missions: Martín Silva, who will go to Ecuador for a year, and Nicolás Raffo, to Peru.

“We are all sent to be continuers of a gift of the Spirit: the Salesian charism for the world,” said one of the leaders of the liturgy, while some young people lit candles for the faithful, spreading their light throughout the assembly.

Before the final blessing, those present together recited a Hail Mary and the party continued after Mass with a moment to talk and be together with everyone, with various games and music.

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