For the past few years Salesian volunteers and past volunteers from the North of England have been meeting at St Mary's church in central Manchester to celebrate the Feast of Saint John Bosco.

Outside the Hidden Gem

This year 'Network North' gathered at 12 noon on Saturday 29th January in St Mary's, which is known locally as 'The Hidden Gem', and delighted the regular congregation by providing readers and leading the singing with a range of musical instruments. Present and past volunteers from Savio House and Brettargh Holt youth retreat centres were at the Mass. Fr Bob Gardner SDB presided, Fr Michael Winstanley preached the homily and several other Salesians concelebrated or joined the congregation.

Readers at the Mass

After the Mass the group went for a social gathering with food and drink at 'The Moon under Water' which was a five minute walk away. Network North was set up to provide ongoing contact between young people who have shared the life and mission of communities of Salesians or Salesian Sisters and wish to continue working in the style of Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello.