(ANS - Pinerolo) - The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, and the General Councillor for Formation, Fr Ivo Coelho, joined the novices from the Salesian novitiates of Europe at their meeting in the Salesian novitiate of Monte Oliveto in Pinerolo on 22 May. 

The day began with songs and videos to introduce the novitiates of Pinerolo, Genzano (Rome), Kopiec Wozniakow (Poland) and Poprad (Slovakia).  At mid-morning Fr Ivo Coelho presided at the Eucharist. In his introduction he recalled the importance of listening to God through the Holy Spirit who is still breathing over the whole Church.

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, arrived at 12.30. In the afternoon, he addressed the novices and answered their questions.

He made ​​a strong appeal to the novices to cultivate brotherly love and to learn, right from the start, the importance of working together. He added: "In light of the situation of the Salesians in Europe today, remember that before you become part of your province, you will be Salesians of the world, called to the service of poor and abandoned young people wherever they may be."

The Rector Major also insisted that community is one of the main features of the Congregation. This means that we must always take care of of ourselves  and of each confrere because, he said, "only work that is seen to be of the community brings the best results."

Finally he encouraged the novices telling them that, if they are now going through a Salesian formation programme, it  is because they have recognized the voice of God.  It is to God and to Don Bosco that they want to say "yes" for ever, to become Salesians, servants of the young." Each of us,” said the Rector Major, “is called to a great challenge: to live with the spirit of Don Bosco in the midst of the young people of today."

Later in the afternoon the novices shared their experience of the novitiate and their impressions of the talk given by the Rector Major. Fr Fernandez Artime then presided over Evening Prayer and the meeting ended with the recitation of the Rosary in different languages. The  Good Night was given by Fr Guido Errico, Delegate for Formation in Italy.

Published 23/05/2014