Archbishop Shaw celebrates Salesians

Archbishop Shaw High School commemorated 80 years of Salesian presence on the West Bank at a Mass April 28 celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond. Members of the Salesian order joined representatives from the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Archbishop Shaw school community to remember the anniversary.

Not only are Salesians a part of West Bank high schools such as Archbishop Shaw High School and Academy of Our Lady, but the Salesians also have worked to better the lives of other young people through many other ministries.

In May 1932, Salesian Father Peter Wynhoven approached the Salesian provincial, Father Richard Pittini, about moving to Hope Haven. At that time, the number of orphans at Hope Haven was 161. The Salesians helped the boys by imposing stricter discipline policies and also providing them with recreational activities and employment opportunities to help them grow in an atmosphere that was more like a large family.

Today, Hope Haven houses Cafe Hope, a restaurant that helps provide skills for poor or at-risk young adults to gain employment in the restaurant industry.

Salesian Father Louis Molinelli, director/president of Archbishop Shaw High School, wholeheartedly supports Cafe Hope

“It is a great way for the community to get involved,” he said. “This can be done by helping to mentor the youth, volunteering at fund-raisers and supporting the restaurant by eating there because all the money that is raised goes to the program.”

Jacob Ducote and Richard Pham are seniors at Archbishop Shaw High School.