(ANS – Macau) - The Salesian School of Macau, Mother House of the China Province, solemnly celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Salesians’ presence in China on February 13, marking a significant milestone in the Province’s history. The occasion was crowned by the permanent enshrinement of two precious relics: a relic of St. John Bosco and the chalice of St. Luigi Versiglia.
After two years of preparation, around 600 members of the Salesian Family from Hong Kong and Macau gathered for the celebration. Present were Bishop Stephen Lee of the Diocese of Macau; Archbishop Savio Hon; Fr. Domingos Leung, Provincial of the China Province; Sr. Teresina Luk Kum Lee, Provincial of the FMA; Ms. Teresa Lam, Provincial Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators; together with Salesians, mission partners, and young representatives from various educational and pastoral communities.
The celebration began in the afternoon in an atmosphere of prayer and gratitude. Students from Yuet Wah College opened the event with a historical performance that retraced the missionary journey of the first Salesians who arrived in Macau in 1906, led by St. Luigi Versiglia. The dramatization vividly recalled their sacrifice, courage, and missionary zeal in bringing Don Bosco’s dream to Chinese soil.
The central moment was the Rite of Veneration of the Relics, presided over by Bishop Stephen Lee, with Archbishop Savio Hon and Fr. Domingos Leung concelebrating. The relic of Don Bosco was carried in procession by Salesian mission partners and youth representatives, symbolizing the living transmission of the charism. The chalice of St. Luigi Versiglia was borne by Fr. Joseph Tran Thien Phuc, a young Vietnamese missionary serving at Escola D. Luís Versiglia Ká-Hó, representing the continuity of the missionary spirit among new generations.
In his homily, Fr. Leung recalled how Bishop Versiglia first planted Don Bosco’s missionary vision in China under God’s providence. He emphasized that the Salesian spirit—serving young people and discovering God in them—has borne abundant fruit in Macau and across the Chinese region, and continues to grow through the dedication of generations of Salesians and lay collaborators.
The celebration then moved to the newly built Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, where the relics were solemnly enshrined in their permanent home. In a moment of silent reverence, the assembly welcomed the relics, followed by a liturgical dance entitled “The Seed,” performed by students of Colégio Dom Bosco Primary School, symbolizing how Don Bosco’s charism continues to take root in young hearts.
Fr. Martin Yip, Chairman of the 120th Anniversary Committee, invited representatives of the Salesian Family to pay homage to the relics. A commemorative video highlighted their spiritual significance for the universal Church and for the Province.
Under the theme “Unite the Salesian Family, Inherit the Dream of Don Bosco,” the celebration offered a powerful testimony that the charism of St. John Bosco continues to inspire the Church in China, renewing its commitment to evangelize and accompany young people with hope and love.