A half century ago, Cardinal James Francis McIntyre blessed the new Don Bosco Technical High School in the Potrero Heights section of South San Gabriel.

On Sept. 23, Cardinal Roger Mahony concelebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for the all-boys' high school, which has been continually operated and staffed by Salesian brothers and priests as well as members of other religious communities and lay teachers for five decades.

He spoke of the dedication of these educators, who followed in the footsteps of St. John Bosco. The 19th-century Italian priest, who founded the Salesian order, established "oratories" where poverty-stricken boys could receive not only instruction in the Catholic faith, but also learn skills to earn a living.

In his walking-around homily, the cardinal asked students what makes Bosco Tech, located in what is now Rosemead, special today. "Brotherly love," "top-notch education," "it's a home" and "great teachers" were some of the ready responses.

"All of these are good qualities, obviously, but your formation as fine young men and leaders for the future is also one of the great characteristics of Bosco Tech," said Cardinal Mahony. "It is a place where you are formed and sent into the world to live out the plan that God has for each of you.

"And if you look back over 50 years," he added, "how many wonderful students have graduated here, and are in all kinds of positions of leadership all around Southern California."

The school liturgy was celebrated in the gym, with the draped altar under one basket and a line of flower petals stretching to a lectern at the other end of the court, where students did the scripture readings. Young men in white T-shirts embossed with "50 years of excellence" and navy short sleeve shirts filled the bleachers. Upper-classmen wearing lettered school jackets rimmed the floor.

Guest speakers included Salesian Fathers Carmine Vairo (president of Don Bosco Technical Institute), David Purdy (provincial of the San Francisco Province) and Adriano Bregolin, vicar general of the Salesian Society.

David Cruz, the student body president who delivered the welcoming address, described his alma mater turning 50 as a marvelous event.

"That a school has existed for so long to serve boys like me to help us to be better people is just wonderful," the 17-year-old senior from El Monte told The Tidings. "I think it's great that a place like this exists that teaches values that aren't evident in society today.

"The things I've learned here, not only knowledge, but wisdom and moral values, have been fantastic. Going to this school has really turned me into a different person. It helped me become responsible, knowing that my actions affect other people. It just makes me think before I do any actions.

"The brothers are fantastic," he said. "They know how to relate with the students. And you can really talk to them, one on one."

Brother Tony Freitas, 87, was there when Bosco Tech opened its doors, Sept. 12, 1955. He remembers that it was during a heat wave, with the temperature hitting above 100, and how Father Felix Penna, the principal, admired the way the first class of freshmen were able to take the heat.

"Penna was a great inspiration," he said. "He had a vision about this place. And the school was the first time that we really got a community of brothers together who outnumbered the priests, because we took care of all the technologies, the shops. And so he was always instructing us in how to teach better."

Brother Freitas taught in the machine shop for some 35 years, rising to department chair. The former Navy machinist mate always liked working with his hands. He also enjoyed teaching.

"At the beginning of class for about five minutes, I would give some kind of moral lesson that came up during the day that would spiritually encourage the kids," he recalled with a smile. "Just like Don Bosco used to do."