(ANS – Auckland) – The Rector Major along with his delegation - Fr Václav Klement, Regional Councillor for East Asia-Oceania; Fr. Horacio López, Rector Major’s Secretary and Fr Greg Chambers, Provincial-Australia Pacific were warmly received yesterday, 13 May, at St. Mary’s School, Avondale, in the traditional manner of the land: Powhiri, Karanga, Whaikorero, Hongi and Haka.

A Māori welcome is a Pōwhiri to formally greet a group of visitors. Karanga is a unique form of female oratory in which women bring a range of imagery and cultural expression to the first calls of welcome. Whaikōrero or formal speech were made after the Karanga. Songs were sung after the formal speech in the local tradition. Hongi – the pressing of noses – signifies the joining together of the host and the dignitaries. The host then invited the dignitaries and visitors to come forward to shake hands and hongi. The Haka – a traditional ancestral posture dance performed with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment – was performed by the children.

The songs were sung by the children of the School and it was great joy to see the Rector Major and the dignitaries singing along with them.

The Rector Major while speaking to the children and the staff said that the Salesians are present in 132 countries and he has to visit all these countries during his 6 year term. He then added he has visited 25 nations – NZ is the 25th Nation – and the direct visit gives him an opportunity to see the grass root reality of the Salesian presence. And, with great humour, he said that Don Bosco may be bit jealous that he could not visit NZ during his life time.

In the evening at 6.00 there was a meeting with some past pupils from various nations who wanted to organise themselves as a group to realize the mission of Don Bosco in the two Salesian presences. Rector Major spent an hour interacting with them encouraging them to carry the project forward.

Last evening of the visit in Auckland was a time of thanksgiving. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Dun along with Rector Major and other concelebrants including the religious and diocesans, numbering around 25 priests. During the homily, while thanking everyone for their warm welcome, Fr. Ángel talked about the importance of the role of the people as announcers of the good news. He also spoke about the complementarity of cultures in the Christian context and exhorted them to continue living the Gospel values integrated as one group celebrating their differences.

Second part of the evening was a wonderful academy in the St. Mary’s school hall, with a harmonious blending of Tongan, Maori and Samoan dances. Short drama presenting Life of Don Bosco was performed by the Salesian Youth Movement

There was great emotion in the air as the farewell curtain was drawn. Within two days the visitors had become very closely bonded with the host New Zealanders. According the Auckland community Rector Fr. Mathew Vadakkevettuvazhiyil: “After the first historical visit of Rector Major to our five years old presence in New Zealand, confreres feel more part of the worldwide Congregation. We were much encouraged and shared also quite clear sense of direction for the development of Salesian Charism and Mission.”

In the early morning of May 14, the Rector Major prayed over the confreres and all youth and lay mission partners in Auckland and finished his visit with the blessing of Mary Help of Christians.

Published 14/05/2015