Chicagoland

St. John Bosco touched her life

By Ivonne Machuca | Contributor
Sunday, September 12, 2010

Don Bosco has a very positive impact on me in the way that I view church and religion. Before attending St. John Bosco Parish in Chicago I did belong to another local parish. However, I wasn’t as involved in parish activities.

My closeness to people here at St. John Bosco is probably inspired by the youth-focused ministry of the parish in the spirit and charism of Don Bosco. [Don Bosco founded the Salesian community which ministers at this parish in Chicago.] It has definitely opened my eyes to the need to become “closer” to God and has showed me that getting closer to him can be fun; something to which I can really look forward.

I am much more involved in church and actually anticipate attending Mass because I now know what that means to me. I enjoy talking and being involved with the people who come to celebrate their faith in many ways, both socially and spiritually, here, in community, at our parish — an extension of home.

We enjoy “compartiendo” not only in church at Mass or in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, but, when we come together at festivals, encounters, retreats and at play in our summer youth camp.

The Oratory (a familial place of communal prayer, play and team work), religious education, sports activities, games and the fun of just being together make a big difference in my faith life.

My dad’s name is Juan Machuca. He was born and raised in Ecuador. There are many similarities in the way that I am involved in my church and the way that he was involved growing up in Ecuador. When he was 12 years old he attended Don Bosco Oratory.

During high school, Dad attended Technico Salesiano, Salesian Technical High School.

During this time he said that the Salesian community was much like it is here in Chicago. Salesian education emphasizes family values and functions like a family. During the summer we often meet young people from all over the world travelling the path of vocation discernment. They help us as leaders and camp counselors and that’s how friendships develop.

Dad has told me that at school in Ecuador, there was a large, open field where they would be able to play different types of sports and engage in other kinds of activities. He said that on Saturdays they would help prepare the liturgy for Mass and stuff like that.

During this time he prepared and received his First Holy Communion within the Salesian community. Practicing his religion, of major importance to his family, always included lots of fun.

I believe that Don Bosco’s spirit is alive now, just as in the past, and it always will be: Reason, faith and kindness. It’s incredible to have similar and rewarding experiences like my dad. I am very blessed.

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