(ANS – Rome) – With words full of gratitude, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, conveyed his hello on Facebook to the Rector Major-Emeritus, Fr Pascual Chávez, who now resides in his new community at San Tarcisio-Rome. A "thank you" also expressed through various photo albums, by the Congregation of Don Bosco, the Church, the Salesian Family and the young...

Here is the text of the "Good Morning" greetings from Fr Fernández Artime, dedicated to his predecessor:

At midday today, we said goodbye at our community at the Pisana to Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, 9th SUCCESSOR OF DON BOSCO, Rector Major Emeritus.

Fr Pascual is joining the San Tarcisio community, the postnovitiate in Rome, where he will continue to give witness by his life, service, presence, and will be available for retreats, recollection days, conferences and other ministries that will be asked of him.

Herewith and in my own task of service to the Congregation and the Salesian Family I would like to say to you: THANK YOU FR PASCUAL! Thank you for having given so much life, so much of your own life in your daily service as Rector Major, in your leadership of the Congregation and Salesian Family around the world.

They have been a very intense and generous twelve years. AND IT IS VERY EVIDENT THAT YOUR CURRENT WITNESS is still on behalf of the Congregation.

A Rector Major concludes his service but Don Bosco's charism continues.

Another Rector Major succeeds him, but communion in the Spirit and charism continue.

A Rector Major follows on from the Emeritus, but the testimony of fellowship remains.

A Rector Major Emeritus humbly retires, but the Congregation and the Salesian Family continues to live keenly on behalf of the mission and the young.

So, thank you, thank you very much dear Rector Major Emeritus, dear Fr Pascual, 9th Successor of Don Bosco. May our common father bless you always.

With all my affection, Angel F. Artime – Rector Major

Posted on 14/08/2014