40 years young!

Today, 6 May, feast of St. Dominic Savio, the St. Dominic Savio Early Learning Centre (SDSELC), Clayton, VIC, celebrated its 40th year of foundation in the presence Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, FMA General Councillor, visiting Australia for the first time. It was significant to have Sr. Teresa Fossati and Sr. Josephine Salmoiraghi present as founding members of the first FMA community in Clayton where Sr. Christina Sawn RIP was the community leader and Sr. Doris Barbero the four community member now living in Samoa. Fr. Frank Bertagnoli sdb was the main celebrate with Fr. John Gandini sdb and Fr. O. Cantamessa concelebrated in the presence of many Salesian Sisters, SDSELC staff, parents/guardians, benefactors, friends and of course the wonderful children who frequent the centre. At the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Frank and at the end of that, Kamal Kaur, the present nominated supervisor both gave a vote of thanks to Fr. Julian Carvazan sdb, the founder of the Centre, together with the Italian community who built the Centre, the many Salesian Sisters and lay people who work at the Centre for 40 years noting how welcoming the Centre is to all families from various cultures and religious traditions. Sr. Edna Mary then gave a plaque to the nominated superiors since the Centre started. The children and staff sang songs in honour of St. Dominic in festive fashion followed by a shared lunch brought by everyone. What a fantastic time honouring the many Salesian Sisters and lay people who have given their time and talent for the benefit of young people!