Dorri Partain
Managing Editor
The patron saint for magicians and school children will be honored during a celebration on Sunday, Feb.1, featuring a traditional Italian meal and performances by local magicians and jugglers at the Don Bosco Community Center, 526 Campbell Ave.
This Columbus Park community center is named for St. John (Don) Bosco, whose Feast Day is recognized annually on Jan. 31. Director Julia Nigro stated, “To my knowledge (and that of the current leadership) this is the first time we are observing this day and holding an event. Hopefully this will kick off an annual tradition.”
All the food for this free meal is being donated by local businesses: Vocci Italian Foods (pasta and pasta sauce), Brancato Custom Homes (meat for meat sauce), C & C Produce (salad), Anthony’s Italian Restaurant (salad dressing) and Roma Bakery (Italian bread). Drinks will also be provided. Volunteers are also donating their time to prepare the food.
“Since this is the first one and I have no idea how many folks will be showing up, I’m planning enough food for 100 people,” said Nigro.
This celebration’s entertainment, featuring local magician and juggler Tim Hill-Dingus and juggler Matt Brummett, is expected to begin around 1 pm and last about an hour.
While donations will gladly be accepted, Nigro stated this event is not a fundraiser, but is planned as a give back to the community in honor of the center’s namesake.
St. John Bosco was born in Becchi, Italy on August 16, 1815 as Giovanni Melchoire Bosco. He learned magic tricks at an early age and soon discovered his impromptu public performances drew a crowd that would stay and join him in prayer. He left home around age 12 to join the priesthood and was ordained in 1841. Known as the “Father and teacher of youth” he founded the Society of St. Francis De Sales in 1859. Upon his death on Jan. 31, 1888, Pope Pius XI began the process to have Bosco beatified (June 2, 1929) and canonized (Jan.1, 1934).
In addition to magicians and school children, St. John Bosco is also known as the patron saint for editors and publishers, apprentices and juvenile delinquents.
The celebration will begin at 12 p.m. and the meal will be first come, first served.
For more information about the Don Bosco Community Center, visit www.donbosco.org.
Dining and Cooking