Friday saw the formal opening ceremony and blessing of the new school buildings of St John Bosco College, Battersea, with the Archbishop of Southwark, Peter Smith, and Fr Martin Coyle SDB, Provincial.

In 1887 three Salesians said 'goodbye' to Don Bosco in Turin to begin their pioneering journey into the unknown, arriving in Battersea, London on the 16th November. Don Bosco was keen to expand his work into an English speaking country and had been invited by Bishop Butt to send the Salesians to Battersea, at the reqquest of and funded by the Countess de Stacpoole. None of them could have imagined that 128 years later over 140 invited guests would be gathering to open and bless a wonderful new school building - securing the Salesian Mission here for the future.

"I am delighted that the new school building project has reached its culmination with its official opening. It has been a labour of love and faith over many, many months, involving the many different groups, but all focused on providing the best facilities for the young people in the local area. From an idea, to a plan, to a move, to a hole in the groiund, to this wonderful new home for the pupils and staff of St John Bosco College. Those who now use this place have a responsibility of Stewards, to make the most of the gift they are privileged to receive, but in a way that recognises that it will be handed on to others to use. May God bless all who study and work here, and all who visit." (Archbishop Peter)