All of us Year 9s at Savio College, were all looking forward to the long-awaited pilgrimage to Turin, to get to know Don Bosco better … thanks to whom we are called Salesians today! I can assure you that it was worth the wait, because it was truly a wonderful experience for all of us!

We left Malta on Thursday 28th February, at about 6:30pm, and arrived at Avigliana residence in Turin late in the evening. Our first day was full of activities, as organised by the team of teachers and Salesians responsible for this trip. In the morning we visited Colle Don Bosco where we saw the basilica and the small house where John Bosco lived his young and teenage years with Mamma Margherita and his family. We had the opportunity to see the place where John Bosco had the famous dream at the age of nine, which was the first stepping stone for him to dedicate his life for young people. The day ended on a very positive note when we visited the Juventus stadium, where we were also joined by Br. Jake and Br. Paul.

The next day, we spent the whole morning trekking and ski-bobbing in the mountains of Chiomonte. After enjoying ourselves ski-bobbing and making snow-fights, we ate a typical Piedmontese meal in a local restaurant. We all returned at the residence with a smile on our face! After having a good rest, in the evening we visited Turin city centre by night, where we also took an ice-cream while enjoying the marvellous streets and squares of the city.

On Sunday morning, we had the opportunity to visit Superga, where we could enjoy the spectacular view of Turin beneath us. There we also visited the monument which was erected to commemorate the first-team of Torino F.C. who had died in an air-crash. After a moment of silence, we left for Stadio Olimpico where we saw the match of Torino vs Chievo. The stadium was full of life and support, especially when Torino scored their 3 winning goals. After the match, we visited Valdocco, the place of Don Bosco’s first oratory. Here we visited a number of places: the Pinardi chapel, the chapel of St. Francis of Assisi and the basilica of Mary Help of Christians, where the remains of Don Bosco lay. Here, Br. Matthew explained to us Don Bosco’s beginnings, with all the challenges he had to face.

On Monday morning we went trekking on the mountains of Forno di Coazze. There we had some free time, where we could eat, play together, discover the whereabouts and enjoy each other’s company. Afterwards, we were supposed to visit the Sacra di San Michele, however we did not manage due to bad weather. Back at the residence, we packed our luggage, and ended the day playing the killer game, and had the last goodnight, where we ended our reflection on Don Bosco’s life and our life journey.

The next day, we were at the airport at about 11am, to board the plane to Rome. The journey ends here … nearly! Because some of us also had the opportunity to meet some of the players of A.S. Roma!

On behalf of my classmates, I would like to thank Fr Jeremy, Fr Sacco, Br. Matthew, Mr Andrew, Ms Rita and Mr Glen for organising this trip and accompanying us throughout these days.

I have wonderful memories of this pilgrimage, however, above all, the places we visited helped me get to know the figure of Don Bosco better, and his whole journey in doing God’s will in his life. Through this experience, with God’s help and Don Bosco’s guidance, I too want to accept God’s will for my life! Viva Don Bosco!

Isaac Fenech