Salesian Sisters South Pacific Region

( Cultural Immersion project Adelaide 2nd - 6 th December. )

Yesterday Sampson and Delilah ( The story of two Indigenous young people ) won the Australian film Industry feature film of the year award. In accepting the award Kath Shelper ( Producer ) said that after a screenning of the film in America a Catholic Nun approached her and said that it was important that the films story was told as these were the children that God forgot. Looking at the educational, health, housing and social indicators this is certainly true for Australia's Indigenous young people.

However recent events would indicate that Don Bosco has not forgotten Australia's Indigenous young people. For some time now the Salesian Sisters of the SPR Province, Brooklyn Park Community have been building up strong, meaningful working relationships with Indigenous young people in the area of the Oratory, Education, Classroom support and Recreation. Importantly from the 2nd to the 6 th of December this year a committed group of young people from Bosco College in NSW journeyed with us. The week was an experience of Indigenous and Salesian, Culture and Spirituality, building ties and working along side young Indigenous people. Hearts connected to hearts and hands to hands. Time was spent planning for the depthing and continuation of this experience and the connections that were made. Through the presence of the Oratory ( youth centre ) and the experience of these days we know that Don Bosco is surely here for these young people. His dream for Australia is in the capable hands of these generous and committed young people. ( Indigenous and Non Indigenous working together )

The young people reflected that Don Bosco was a great example of somebody whose life was always based on social justice. This was a life changing experience that I would do again any day. It has given us a great understanding of Indigenous peoples lives.

What we experienced these days was the words of the 2010 Strenna, " Love leads to exodus and to going out of oneself, towards new frontiers to make a gift of oneself; love grows through love."

Ninna Marni ( Welcome ) Don Bosco. We are glad you are here to stay in Kaurna country. Our smiles say it all.

We look forward to sharing more of our transformative experience with you in the future.

 A joyful Advent and Peace this Christmas from all involved in the Bosco Indigenous immersion project.