(ANS - Rome) - "My dear Salesian Confreres, it is a great joy for me to be close to each one of you, in all the communities, in all the provinces and countries of the world where we are present." Those are the opening words of the video message of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, to all the members of the congregation. This video message marks a new vehicle of communication between the tenth Successor of Don Bosco and each Salesian confrere.

"This is another way to meet you, not only by letter, but also by the means that we have today," continued Fr Á.F. Artime. This initiative is not intended to replace the traditional channels through which the Rector Major encourages and guides the congregation, but to augment them by bringing his voice and his character to all Salesian houses throughout the world, and to manifest his attention to all his confreres in a more obvious manner.

The title "Dear Confreres" is not by chance. This new service will be publsihed on a quarterly basis. In order to reach all the Salesians it is translated into many languages: seventeen for this first edition, and it is intended to have more in the future depending on the availability of the Salesians in different countries and cultures.

The sercice hopes to maintain fraternal contact between the centre and the many countries where the congregation is present, to share the events that concern the entire congregation and the messages of encouragement that come from the society, the Church, and the communities.

In this first issue, Fr Á.F. Artime shares the experience of the 145th Salesian Missionary Expedition and recalls the central role of Valdocco as the cradle of Salesian life and work. He urges all the members to go there on pilgrimage, and invites us to receive the 27th General Chapter with love and put it into practice in everyday life.

The videos are available on YouTube on the ANSChannel.

Published 20/11/2014