I​t was a privilege to attend the World Premiere in Dublin on Friday 10th September 2021 of the magnificent new film “The Oratory” – the story of Don Bosco in a Nigerian setting. The idea came from Fr Cyril Odia, a Nigerian Salesian who is currently Rector of the Salesian Community in Maynooth. The film is produced and directed by Nigeran Filmmaker Obi Emelonye with Fr Cyril as executive producer and Rich Lowe Ikenna in the lead role. The film portrays the story of Don Bosco in a contemporary Nigerian setting. It is entertaining, inspiring, challenging, gripping, formative, and educational – a must-see for anyone interested in the story of Don Bosco and anyone committed to the well-being of young people. A big well done and thank you to Fr Cyril and all who cooperated with him in this remarkable production. 

The audience of 200 – the maximum number permitted at present due to ​Covid-19 restrictions – was made up of Salesians and friends of the Salesians as well as many Nigerian people living in Ireland, including Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, a native of Nigeria and Apostolic Nuncio in Ireland.