Paul Dunne, Headteacher at St John Bosco College, writes about the blessing of the new Resource Base at the college, by Fr Francesco Cereda SDB, Salesian Vicar General.

Whilst the Sacred Heart Parish in Battersea celebrated their 125th anniversary on Sunday 14 October a new chapter in the history of Salesian Education in Battersea began with the formal blessing of St John Bosco College's new resource base provision for children with Autism and additional mental health needs.

Salesian Vicar General, Fr Francesco Cereda, visiting London for the parish celebrations took time out of his hectic schedule to join Provincial Gerry Briody, School Governor Nick Potter, Headteacher Paul Dunne, Deputy Headteacher Maria Bud, Chaplain Fr Saju, Base Lead Louise Power and pupils from the school to bless the new Devereux resource base. Named after Sean Devereux, a pupil at Farnborough and teacher at Chertsey who dedicated his short life to the service of others, the base will open at the beginning of November and will provide support for vulnerable young people who would not otherwise be able to access mainstream education.

Fr Cereda in his homily urged those present to use their gifts to help and support those less fortunate than themselves following in the footsteps of Don Bosco - just as Sean did.