Coming to Savio was one of the most natural and important choices in my life so far: I grew up in the South Lakes in close proximity to the Salesian Sisters at Brettargh Holt. Extensive work and a deep attraction to the Salesian Spirituality eventually led me to the Salesians of Don Bosco at Savio House. There I participated in programmes such as Salesians out Serving and Living the Dream; and all of a sudden I found myself working in the Salesian Youth Ministry Office, where I carried out a wide variety of tasks, from administration, to planning activities and programmes, and even work in countries such as the Netherlands and USA.
After finishing 6th form the most obvious path to take apart from university was to do a gap year at Savio House, so I filled in an application and was promptly invited to an interview week where I worked two retreats including planning, weekend hosting, and of course experienced a complete immersion into community life. Thinking back, I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t enjoy apart from perhaps the 8:00 rise, but the sluggishness was quickly quelled by a cup of tea (or three) and launching into a programme with 43 Year 10s.
Doing this year at Savio House has given me so much. Aside from supplementing previous experiences, it has fuelled my ambitions, fed my faith , helped me to begin to clarify my future and particularly reflect on where God wants me to be. I owe so much to the Salesians, particularly those whom I have known at Savio over the past 5 years. Sharing this year experience with the religious and living and working with similar aged lay people has caused my relationships, and concept of relationship to grow and flourish particularly with my family and God. My faith has had had the chance to intensify, uncovering a desire to channel this passion to newer depths.
It all sounds very serious! But really what I will really remember on top of the awesome retreat work and meeting truly inspirational young people, is the funniest moments: breaking a bed in half, larking about on a canal boat, trips to the zoo, epic treasure hunts (by car!) 16 inch meatfeast pizzas, nights in the pub, winning Bollington’s Got Talent and the amazing friendships that we have built.
Parting thought: my life’s been a bit like the film “Yes Man.” Just say yes, and God will hurl opportunity and success in front of you.
It’s an ordinary life…
With an extraordinary element
