(ANS - Lima)- Jorge Chavez International Airport witnessed the joy and enthusiasm of hundreds of Salesian young people who had gathered since early yesterday, 12 April, to welcome the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.

Waving flags, singing and playing music, the members of the Salesian Youth Movement from Brena, Callao, Chosica, Magdalena del Mar, Rimac, Arequipa and Piura waited for the arrival of the Rector Major at 7.25 a.m., Bolivian time. The welcome song Don Bosco de hoy, was composed by the Salesians in the Formation House, and choreographed by members of the SYM, along with some parents, Salesian Cooperators and other members of the Salesian Family.

At 7.00 p.m., in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Brena, before a large congregation of young people and members of the Salesian Family, Fr Á.F. Artime presided at the Sunday Mass, concelebrated by the Provincial Fr Santo Dal Ben and several Salesians from different houses in the country.

The Tenth Successor of Don Bosco began his homily by saying: "We will leave a bit of our hearts here." He went on to say that wherever he travels among Salesians, he always feels at home.

On the other hand, he stressed the value of what he is doing in getting to know other Salesian situations: "The heart says what words cannot say,” he remarked, referring to those places which perhaps do not share the same culture or language, but live with the same Salesian spirit and charism of Don Bosco.

He said: "I find it very meaningful and special to celebrate the Eucharist this Sunday of Easter in this context, in this beautiful temple, and to be able to spend my time with all my brother Salesians, the Provincial and many confreres here present; to be with all my sisters and brothers in our beloved Salesian Family and also with the lay people who belong to the various groups. Being with so many friends of Don Bosco brings me great joy…  And, of course, so does the presence of so many young people."

In the city of Lima, the Rector Major will visit the Salesian works in Rimac, Callao, and Magdalena del Mar, as well as the houses of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

The various stages of the Visit of the Rector Major to Peru can be followed on the Internet.

Published 13/04/2015