The morning began with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as the Salesians in the “Mary Help of Christians” Province of FIS were holding a Day of Recollection. Fr Chávez and Fr Bregolin, who had been in Cebu since the night before, arrived at the Formation Centre right on schedule and the Salesians proceeded immediately to the AV Room at the Seminary where the Rector Major was to give the talk to the confreres.
The meeting of the members of the Formation Centre with the Rector Major also provided an opportunity for questions from the Salesians and the insightful responses of the Rector Major. After a short pause all proceeded to the Chapel where the Rector Major presided at Mass in honour of Blessed Michael Rua. The celebration was animated by the candidates with some members of the Salesian Family.
In his homily, the Rector Major encouraged everyone to become "little Don Boscos" and imitate Don Rua`s "dynamic fidelity" which was always sensitive to the needs of the times. After Communion, the Salesians were privileged to individually receive a copy of the new Provincial Directives from the hands of the Rector.
The talk and the Mass that followed were both webcast for Salesians who could not be there.
Afterwards the guests were treated to some cultural presentations prepared by the candidates of the Formation Centre, one of which featured a song especially composed for the Rector Major`s visit entitled, "Live the Dream. A surprise number was given by Don Bregolin, Don Chávez and his Secretary Fr Juan Bartolomé themselves, something which very much delighted the "family" gathered around their Father.
Given the limitations of time, the Rector Major anticipated his “Good Night” in which he praised the genuine sense of Salesian Family spirit which he felt throughout the celebration. Fr Chávez and Fr Bregolin Cha went on to thank everyone who prepared for the celebration and promised everyone that they will come back again.
In the afternoon, the Rector Major, with his Vicar and his Secretary, met with the Rectors and the Provincial Council and took supper together before leaving for Cebu airport and their return flight to Manila that evening at 18.00.
Published 21/10/2010
