On January 29 in Kazanlak, and on January 30 in Stara Zagora we once again celebrated the Feast of St. John Bosko. This year, on January 31, 134 years have passed since his death.
In Kazanlak a solemn liturgy was celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Hristo Proykov. All Salesian priests currently living in Bulgaria also took part in the liturgy – f. Petr Nemez, f. Petr Cvrkal, f. Jiri Svobova, f. Martin Jilek. In his sermon, Bishop Proikov reminded us of the main moments in the life of Don Bosko, as well as difficult moments in which he showed his strong faith and stood firmly behind his mission.
The children, young people and volunteers from the Don Bosko Bulgaria Foundation had prepared a short entertainment program – with games, musical performances, ballet and play. The pandemic did not allow many guests, as well as to meet in the usual way – informally, after the program, but despite the measures the festive spirit was among us. The scouts from the Catholic Scouts – Bulgaria were also guests.
In Stara Zagora, the liturgy was celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of Plovdiv, Monsignor Rumen Stanev. In his sermon he emphasized the great gratitude he felt for St. John Bosko and his mission.
After the liturgy, there was again a program prepared by children, young people and volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps. The presented play recreated the beginning of the Oratorio centers, or in other words – the famous meeting of Don Bosko with the young mason.
The celebration was cozy, the atmosphere was family. We felt the joy of being together.
