(ANS - Quito) - Taking advantage of his presence in Ecuador for the consultation for the appointment of the new Provincial, the Communication Office in Ecuador interviewed Fr Timothy Ploch, SDB who was elected as Councillor for the Interamerican region at the recent 27^th General Chapter.

How do Salesians coming from outside see the Province of Ecuador?
Don Bosco sent his Salesian confreres to Ecuador, and they informed him of their arrival precisely on the day of his death. This country is seen as a place where the missions were fruitful. Many Salesians from all over the world come to this area to live and serve in the missions of the Amazon and the Andes.

What are the tasks facing the Salesians today?
The tasks that await us in the world are those given by the 27^th General Chapter which calls us to conversion in three ways:

1. Spiritual Conversion both as individuals and in community.
2. Fraternal Conversion so that in every community we become more of a family.
3. Apostolic Conversion in our way of working with the poorest young people.

We are called to become more like Don Bosco, who was a mystic of the spirit, a prophet of fraternity and a servant in the apostolate.

What is the purpose of your visit to Ecuador?
There are three reasons:

• As the new Regional Councillor, I have to get to know a bit better the province, the Salesians, the works - the situation in Ecuador.
• Secondly, so that the Salesians of the country can get to know me, since I am new and I am not from Latin America, but the United States.
• Finally, for consultation prior to the appointment of the new Provincial. Every Salesian should reflect on who you think would be the best candidate. I will then gather all the data and present them to the Rector Major and his Council.

What is your impression of the work of the Salesians in Ecuador?
The day after my arrival in the country I went to Cuenca, where I visited a number of works; then Bomboiza and Macas, then Quito and Guayaquil. I was struck by the diversity of works run by the Salesians, from a highly appreciated university to the missions ad gentes, works with street children, schools, oratories and parishes. And in all these works there are many employees who, together with the Salesians, represent a great wealth. I was also impressed by the distances you have to travel to get from one Salesian community to another. And then, I have to add, the local cuisine is delicious.

What is your message for the Salesians of our country ?
I would like to repeat the message given us by the new Rector Major at the end of the GC27: "As Salesians we must be men of God, dedicate ourselves to our brothers and sisters and also work harder for young people in precarious situations." This is my hope , my desire and my prayer for all the Salesians in Ecuador so that, day after day we may meet this call of the Rector Major .

Published 04/06/2014