(ANS – Jerusalem) – Celebrating Don Bosco in the Holy City of Jerusalem is not merely a liturgical event; it is an act of hope. With this conviction, on Saturday, January 31, the Salesian community in Jerusalem gathered at the Ratisbonne Institute: Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, students of the Studium Theologicum Salesianum, religious men and women, and friends of Don Bosco came together to celebrate the Saint of Youth. After two years marked by the difficulties and uncertainties of war, it was finally possible to gather again in large numbers, sensing and reading serenity in the eyes of those present.

This year, in addition to the many reasons for thanksgiving, there was great joy at the opening of the renovated chapel in the theological college, following major restoration work in recent months that has restored it to renewed beauty and splendor.

Mass was presided over by Bishop Bruno Varriano, OFM, Auxiliary Bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for Cyprus. With words full of warmth, he recalled his personal connection with Don Bosco, which began at the age of five at a school of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, continued during high school with the Salesians of Don Bosco, and was further strengthened during his university studies at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome.

“Keep your charism alive,” he urged, “for it is a way of seeing, speaking to, and caring for young people. It is not a philosophy or an ideology, but life itself—a dream!”

“Yes, it is truly a pleasure,” he continued, “to celebrate Don Bosco with you, a saint who throughout his life accompanied young people step by step, teaching them that holiness is not sadness, but joy.”

The celebration was preceded by the blessing of the chapel, attended by Fr. Emanuele Vezzoli, Vice Provincial of the “Jesus the Adolescent” Province of the Middle East (MOR), and Fr. Leo Arockiam, Provincial Economer. The restored chapel now offers a bright, warm, and welcoming environment for the prayer of the Salesians and the entire community.

The day concluded with a time of fraternal and communal agape, animated by traditional Salesian songs and music, organized by the young religious of the Ratisbonne community.