(ANS - Genoa) – The visit was intended to animate the young people and the Salesian Family in Genoa, but it was also a valuable opportunity to recall the memory of the first Salesian missionaries who left from Genoa for the countries of South America, and to meet the immigrants from that part of the world who have now settled in Genoa. That sums up neatly the visit of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, to Genoa, on 28-29 November.

The Rector Major arrived on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by his secretary, Fr Horacio López. He greeted the local Salesian community and had an opportunity to meet the confreres.

In the early afternoon he visited the Shrine of Our Lady of the Guard, a Marian shrine where the people of Genoa have a great devotion. Then he met the young people, the teachers of the school and of the Vocational Training Centre, and members of the Salesian Family from Genoa.

"How do we get people to believe in God when the environment around us speaks of war and destruction? How can we as young leaders become a small community where we really love one another and accept each other’s differences? What is the best way to bring Jesus into the playground, to young people who are far away from him?" These were some of the questions the young people put to the successor of Don Bosco. He responded with his usual frankness and he encouraged them to maintain their enthusiasm.

Later in the day the programme included Evening Prayer with Cardinal. Angelo Bagnasco, Archbishop of Genoa and president of the Italian Bishops' Conference.  Then there was a celebration with the large community of Latin American immigrants for whom the Salesians have a special ministry.

On Sunday morning after Mass, the Rector Major visited the port of Genoa and its famous lighthouse. He saw some of the significant churches of the city where Don Bosco had visited and preached. In the afternoon, he attended the launch of a book by Fr Alberto Rinaldini, SDB, entitled "Genoa and Don Bosco". The function was attended also by the Mayor of the City, the President of the Liguria region and Bishop Nicolò Anselmi, Auxiliary Bishop of Genoa.

Published 30/11/2015