On Saturday 17th October, Don Bosco Ireland Volunteers (DBIV) held a volunteer appreciation and training day in St Catherine’s Centre, Maynooth University. This event was open to all those who have volunteered with DBIV in the past, present volunteers, and those who are interested in volunteering internationally or locally in the programmes of the Salesian Communities. Seventeen individuals attended, along with various Salesian confreres and staff members, for a joyful gathering which celebrated the service of all past and present volunteers with DBIV. We began the day with a welcome time over tea and coffee, during which the common room at St Catherine’s was filled with lively conversations. Then, we had a beautiful Mass in the Oratory, with Fr Eunan McDonnell, Provincial of the Salesian Province in Ireland, as the celebrant, and Fr Cyril Odia, Br Leo Pinto, and Tomás McNamara leading us in worship.
Following this, Fr Eunan and Wojciech Mroczek of Don Bosco Aid presented the volunteers with certificates and a small gift in recognition of their generous sharing of their time and skills with the Salesian family through DBIV. Many of these volunteers had worked with DBIV here in Ireland, while some of them had volunteered abroad with Salesians in Kenya, Zambia, and India.
We also heard from several speakers on diverse aspects of volunteering with the Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland. Fr Cyril gave a presentation on volunteering with the Salesians, with a focus on volunteering in Ireland (e.g. helping with summer camps or participating in the Salesian Youth Movement). Wojciech spoke about the international volunteering context, highlighting the work done by our international volunteers and discussing training and possible placement plans for present volunteers and those interested in volunteering with DBIV. We also heard from Danielle Rourke, a long-term volunteer with DBIV, about her experience in Zambia. Then, Fr Dan Carroll shared about the importance of learning and improving how DBIV works, and he asked volunteers for feedback on the volunteering process.
We concluded the gathering with a hearty lunch, which was very much enjoyed by everyone present!
