IT started on Friday and ended yesterday with a thanksgiving Eucharist.
Don Bosco Tetere was celebrating its 10th anniversary which started with a youth camp on Friday.
About 500 youth from neighbouring institutions gathered in the Rural Training Centre premises for the two-day youth camp.
Fr. Joseph Than, Rector and Principal of the institution spoke to the gathering in the evening on Saturday with other prominent speakers.
The biggest group of young people were from the sister institution Don Bosco Henderson.
Bishop Epalle School and Nguvia Community School had their form five students joined as well. Youth groups from Christ the King – Tetere, Holy Cross-Honiara, Good Shepherd- Teraru and the past pupils of DBRTC made up almost 500 youth of the gathering.
Mr. Bernard Bataanisia gave an inspirational address on leadership, challenging the youngsters to take responsibility for the future of the nation.
Fr. Dominic, Rector of Don Bosco – Henderson gave a presentation on Christian Leadership which is Servant Leadership.
A prayer session led by the Salesian Sisters was a youthful hymn of praise and thanks to God for the 10 years of DBRTC.
Ten flames burning throughout the service represented the 10 years of the institution.
This was followed by a movie “Mission to Love”, the life of Don Bosco, Friend, Father and Teacher of Youth.
Camp-style sleeping in tents or under the stars was a unique experience for many.
Saturday, 23rd was time to celebrate. Bishop Luciano Capelli, Bishop of Gizo celebrated Holy Mass in Christ the King parish.
Sporting activities followed with friendly matches of Soccer, Volleyball and Netball.
The rain didn’t spoil the sporting spirit. The evening entertainment was on a make-shift stage, with the young people bringing out their talents in singing and dancing-their spirits high in spite of the rain, and went on late into the night.
Yesterday saw the Christ the King Parish Church packed with the Young People, Parishioners, friends and well-wishers of Don Bosco Tetere.
Archbishop Adrian Smith presided with Bishop Luciano Capelli and six priests.
Before the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Joseph (Rector and Principal) acknowledged the presence of Bishop Capelli who was the founder of the RTC and invited him to give a history of the beginnings.
He also acknowledged the presence of Fr. Dominic Kachira, the first Rector of Don Bosco Tetere, and recalled Fr. Michael Lap, the second Rector who returned to Japan on health reasons.
The presence of Br. Michael Lynch, Director of Salesian Missions-Australia, and two representatives from the Rotary Club of North Balwyn, Victoria in the persons of Bill Oakley and Takao, was acknowledged.
Fr. Misi with 9 Don Bosco Volunteers from Japan were present and the support of the Salesians in Japan was acknowledged by Fr. Joseph.
Their contribution to the development of the RTC was considerable.
The people of North Guadalcanal who offered the land for the institution was applauded and this was confirmed by the presence of the local chiefs and representatives from the local communities.
With final blessing from Archbishop Adrian Smith, all proceed to the RTC campus for the anniversary lunch.
