| Dominican Republic – Working for Haiti, a volunteer speaks |
| Haiti - Merci, Père Chavez |
Accompanied by the Provincial of the Salesians in the Antilles, Fr Victor Pichardo, the Rector Major was welcomed by the students of the Don Bosco Institute in Santo Domingo. The salute to the flag introduced the “Good morning” which the IX successor of Don Bosco gave to the students of the school from the smallest to the eldest.
Giving a brief account of his journey to Haiti, Fr Chávez expressed his thanks for all that the Salesians in this Province had done and are continuing to done for the victims of the earthquake. He then exhorted the children and the youngsters to become active citizens with the heart of Don Bosco developing their human, Christian and professional qualities.
This was followed by a meeting with the young Salesians in formation from the Antilles Province, from the pre-novices to those on practical training. Fr Chávez explained to them the meaning of Salesian consecration using three well-known phrases from Salesian history, one associated with John Cagliero, “Monk or not, I am staying with Don Bosco”, and two with Michael Rua: “Going halves with Don Bosco” and “At Mirabello I shall be a second Don Bosco”.
A second meeting was with the Salesians of the Province who had come from the various works for that purpose. The Rector Major referred to some aspects of the life of the Congregation which “in these days is going through a fine time.” The celebrations of the 150th anniversary, the pilgrimage of the casket, the centenary of the death of Blessed Michael Rua are events which are highlighting the vitality of the religious society and of the whole Salesian Family. “All this, however,” Fr Chávez pointed out “is aimed at 2015, the bi-centenary of the birth of our father Don Bosco. Our navigation chart is the XXVI General Chapter!”
The morning was brought to a close with Mass. Among those present, in addition to the Provincial Fr Pichardo and a number of Salesians, were also Bishop Fabio Mamerto Rivas SDB, Bishop emeritus of Barahona, representatives of the Salesian Family, especially Daughters of Mary Help of Christians with their Provincial Sr. Verónica De la Cruz.
This year together with the Province, the Don Bosco Institute in Santo Domingo is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its foundation. The College, in fact, was the first work built and opened in the country. At present it has about 2000 pupils from nursery to Sixth Form level.
During the day on a number of occasions, Fr Chávez thanked the Salesians and the Salesian Family for the generosity and readiness they are showing with regard to the emergency in Haiti. Every two or three days the 4 trucks which thanks to the collaboration between the New Rochelle Mission Office and the local Salesians, are taking food and first aid to Haiti leave from Santo Domingo.
Published 18/02/2010
