(ANS – Rome) – Among the various ways of sending greeting to  Fr Pascual Chávez on his birthday, many Salesians, young people and friends chose to use the most widespread social network in the world, Facebook.

Yesterday, 20 December, on an unofficial profile dedicated to Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, a simple message appeared recalling his birthday. The message was in three languages –English, Italian and Spanish – on the page-fan of Fr Chávez; an unofficial page, run by a young post-novice, which covers the talks, published letters and the activities of the Rector Major.
 
Immediately replies flooded in from many users taking advantage of  the social network to congratulate  Fr Chávez. The counter indicated 132 comments, 320 “I agree” and 48 responses to the news – which then produced further comments and greetings on other profiles, following the sharing process typical of the new technologies.

This little episode demonstrates how more and more young people are sharing, participating and living  on the  “digital continent,” a place which is not removed from reality and precisely because it is where young people are at home needs a Salesian presence. Don Bosco used to recommend  very clearly being with the young and sharing what they like.

Published 21/12/2011