Celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at St. Patrick’s
Every year, the Salesian family around the world gathers to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception—a day that holds deep significance for all who follow the spirit of St. John Bosco. It was on this very day, in 1841, that Don Bosco met a young boy, Bartolomeo Garelli, in the sacristy just before Mass. That simple encounter marked the beginning of Don Bosco’s lifelong mission with young people and the birth of the Salesian charism.
At St. Patrick’s, this feast remains a cherished tradition. We began the celebration with a festive Mass, this year presided over by Fr. Johan Bugeja SDB, who reminded us that Don Bosco’s heart was always drawn to the young. To be young, he said, is to be deeply loved and cared for by Don Bosco—an invitation to let ourselves be guided, supported, and inspired.
Following the Mass, the community took part in a short but meaningful procession with the figure of Baby Jesus. Readings and reflections led us toward a moment of joy and hope as we lit the school’s Christmas tree, officially opening the season of Advent light.
The morning then took a delicious turn. Students and staff rolled up their sleeves to prepare hundreds of mince pies for an upcoming bake sale. The energy in the room was contagious—laughter, teamwork, and a genuine sense of togetherness filled the space. A special thanks goes to the staff and family members who had already worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the fillings for all those pies.
Before moving on to the sports activities, Fr. Jeremy Vella SDB, together with a group of senior students, visited Dar Bjorn to present a monetary donation collected by the school community. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, the amount surpassed a remarkable €860, a large contribution from such a small school.
To close the celebration, sports activities were planned. Though the skies opened and rain poured, nothing could dampen the spirit of the day. With quick thinking and a solid plan B, the activities were moved indoors to the games room. The result? Smiling faces, friendly competition, and a fitting conclusion to a day marked by the Salesian family spirit.
In the end, the feast of the Immaculate Conception at St. Patrick’s was more than a celebration—it was a reminder of our roots, our mission, and the simple yet powerful ways we continue Don Bosco’s dream today.
