On their arrival at Leopoli, headquarters of the Salesian Delegation of the Byzantine-Ukraine Rite– dependent on the EST Circumscription – Fr Pascual Chávez, Fr Adriano Bregolin and Fr Marek Chrzan were welcomed by the Superior of the Circumscription Fr Giuseppe Pellizzari and by the Superior of the Delegation, Fr Rino Pistellato.
In the late afternoon the Rector Major and his collaborators were present for the recitation of the “Moleben” an ancient popular prayer to Mary, which was sung in thanksgiving for the 20 years of the presence of the Salesians in Ukraine, after the fall of the Soviet regime. The evening was then spent with all the Salesians in the capital, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and various members of the Salesian Family, to the joyful sound of Ukrainian folk music, which contributed to creating a family and festive atmosphere.
On this occasion the Rector Major congratulated Fr Basilio Korol on the 50th anniversary of his priesthood, was greeted by the youngsters from one of the many football teams in the Salesian Sports Association and met and chatted to the 30 children and youngsters from the Children’s Family Home of the Salesians in the Delegation.
This morning Monday 16 May in the “Pokrova” Salesian parish there was the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine-Ukraine Rite At which the new Patriarch, Mons. Sviatloslav Shevchuk presided. At the end of the service the Patriarch had a private talk with the Rector Major.
On both days the three visitors had the opportunity to meet and reflect with the Salesians from both Rites and with the Council of the Delegation in order to throw light on the Salesian future of the Delegation, ensuring significant presences in accordance with the assessments of the 26 General Chapter and the pastoral guidelines of the Church.
Ukraine is the first stage of the Visit of the Rector Major to the EST Circumscription, the main purpose of which is to gather impressions and suggestions for the redesigning of the Salesian presences. Tomorrow and the day after, 17-18 May, Fr Chávez, Fr Bregolin and Fr Chrzan will complete their itinerary meeting the Salesians present in Russia.
Published 16/05/2011
