(ANS – Manaus) – Moved by a spirit of gratitude to God for all that has been achieved in the past 100 years, the Salesians of the Province of Manaus began celebrating on 16 August the centenary of the Salesian presence in Brazilian Amazonia (1915-2015). The celebrations will end in 2015.

The most important event was the Solemn Eucharist. The President was Fr Natale Vitali, Regional Superior for America Southern Cone, who is at present doing the Extraordinary Visitation of the Manaus Province.

The first work begun by the Salesians in this area in 1914 was the Mission of São Gabriel da Cachoeira. Subsequently the Sons of Don Bosco spread all over the area, opening schools, Oratories, youth centres, services for young people at risk, technical schools , parishes and eventually a Salesian University Faculty.

Evangelization, education and human development are the apostolic concern of the Salesians today as in the past. The richness of the Salesian charism has taken on a Brazilian and Amazonian face.

“We are indeed grateful for the work done by the first Salesians and by those who were drawn by Christ and by Don Bosco to serve young people” wrote Fr Francisco Alves de Lima, Provincial of Manaus. “We want to celebrate the memory of the lives of these Salesians and of the young people and lay people who were able to incarnate in our situation the apostolic heart of Don Bosco. We also want to commit ourselves ever more strongly to go out to the young, especially the poorest of them.”

The theme chosen for the celebrations is: “Salesians in Amazonia: 100 years of mission!” with the slogan “The seed has produced good fruit”.

Published 19/08/2013