(ANS – Fatima) – Last weekend, 17 - 19 May, the Superior General of the Salesians, Fr Pascual Chávez, visited the Province of St Anthony in Portugal. His visit coincided with the 61st Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family to Fatima and the Annual Meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM).

Accompanied by his Vicar, Fr Adrian Bregolin, the Rector Major had a busy schedule of meetings on the Saturday. In the morning he met the Salesians of the Province. In the early afternoon he met some young people who have begun their vocational journey, and then the young people of the SYM who were holding their annual meeting in the auditorium of the Paul VI Centre.

Mid-afternoon, after paying homage to Our Lady of Fatima at the Chapel of the Apparitions, Fr Chávez presided at the evening Mass of the Solemnity of Pentecost. About 7,500 people took part in the Eucharist – Salesians, young people, members of the Salesian Family and friends of Don Bosco.

In the evening, the Rector Major took part also in the recitation of the Rosary as part of a colourful procession followed by a prayer vigil in the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima. This was organized by Fr Jerome Monteiro, Delegate for the Salesian Family. Fr Bregolin presided.

The following day, Pentecost Sunday, began with a meeting with the pilgrims of the Salesian Family, followed by Mass at which Bishop Joaquim Mendes, Auxiliary Bishop of Lisbon, presided.

The Rector Major concluded his visit to Portugal yesterday afternoon with a meeting with the Salesian Provincial, Fr Arthur Pereira, and his Council.

Published 20/05/2013