Letter from the Director

Letter from the Director 

February 3, 2025

Dear Friends of Mary Help,

If you want a “one liner” to remember Don Bosco’s way of educating young people (and inspiring the rest of us as well), just remember this:

“Love God AND Be Good AND Have Fun!”

It’s not a choose one or two of three – it’s the whole package!

We did just that over this past weekend:

It was a grand weekend! Due to the calendar, January 31 – Don Bosco’s Feast, was on Friday; February 1 – the day we remember our deceased Salesians and the Cooperators’ monthly meeting, was on Saturday; February 2 – the Don Bosco Festival, was on Sunday, there was a great weekend of celebrating Don Bosco in his origins and in his ministry here in Tampa.

The young people at Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian HS prayed well at Mass, listened attentively to Fr. Steve DeMaio preach, and then engaged in house competitions throughout the rest of the day, culminating in a talent show!

The Salesian community remembered all deceased Salesians at Mass on Saturday. In particular, we prayed for the eight members of this community who ended their earthly journeys between 2018 and 2021.

A large crowd, 300 or more people, gathered for Mass and festivities of the Don Bosco Festival. During Mass, the Cooperators renewed their commitment as members of the Salesian Family. Also, four women of the parish received the Mama Margaret Award. Each of these women has assisted the parish or the Center above and beyond the call of duty. We are proud to present these awards to:

  • Ann Marie Brummett, the Director of Religious Education
  • Mi-ok Isabella Kang, the General District Leader for the Korean Catholic Mission of Tampa
  • Grace Horvath, the chairperson of the Don Bosco Gala
  • Lucia Hwajeong, serving the Koran Catholic community in many projects and tasks.

After Mass, participants enjoyed food from several cultures, played games and raised funds for several charities in the area.

And now, we return to “normal” at the beginning of a new week.

Thanks to everyone in the school, the parish, the festival committee who made this a great weekend in every way.

Remember:                 Love God and Be Good and Have Fun!

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!

Fr. John J. Serio SDB

Director