(ANS - Guayaquil)- Fr Ángel Fernández Artime left Lima, Peru yesterday 16 April and arrived in Ecuador at 11.25 local time, along with his secretary Fr Horacio López. Waiting for him at the airport in Guayaquil were Salesians from the houses in Guayaquil, Manta and Machala, representatives of oratories, parishes and youth groups, and members of ADMA.

Tatiana Capelo,

Coordinator of the Salesian Communication Office

As soon as he arrived, Fr Á.F. Artime met young people from Salesian environments who were full of joy at his visit. One of the young people, Pedro Bajana, from the Salesian Project for Street Children in Guayaquil, approached the Rector Major telling him that all the children and young people were very happy at his arrival.

At 12.30 the Rector Major arrived at the headquarters of the Project and was welcomed by the boys and girls of the oratories and summer camps. The programme prepared by the young people included music, dances and the presentation of various gifts. Fr Á.F. Artime received a miniature replica of the relic of Don Bosco which has been visiting the country since 31 January.

At 3.00 p.m., the Salesians accompanied the Rector Major to the Juanito Bosco Community Centre southwest of Guayaquil, in the Nigeria district. The young people who welcomed him, dressed in colourful costumes and dancing to the music of the marimba.

The Rector Major told the children and young people present that he was very happy to get to know this particular Salesian work which is very recent.  With time it will develop so that the whole community of the Nigeria district can feel at home here. He also acknowledged the work of parents, educators and volunteers who take care of the children of the Centre and stressed that "all must continue to dream as did Don Bosco did."  A video of this meeting is available.

Before leaving, the Rector Major received two gifts, both handmade by the children - a colourful poster depicting the work of the Salesians in the country and a photo album in the shape of a heart.

At 5.30 the Rector Major celebrated the Eucharist at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. In his homily he pointed out that "the number of works in a Province is not important, but it is essential that all the Salesians can live in a real community."

The visit to Guayaquil ended with a meeting in the San Juan Bosco community with the Salesians in the Costa region.

Today, Friday 17 April, the Rector Major will be in Quito to meet with the young people, staff and volunteers of the Salesian schools, and teachers of the Salesian Polytechnic University of Quito.

Published 17/04/2015