(ANS - Montero) - Fr Ángel Fernández Artime had a very busy day yesterday, the first official day of his visit to Bolivia. The day began with a visit to the house of Muyurina, 60 km from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. There, the students of the Salesian School and a large number of members of the Salesian Family, welcomed the Rector Major. He greeted all the young people present and then met the Salesians to get to know them and to share with them a moment of reflection.

In the afternoon, at the gym of the Don Bosco Centenary house, he had a meeting with the children and youth of the Don Bosco Project, which has seven separate stages for the care of children and young people at risk, and with those of the Joven Bolivia Institute. The young people paid homage to Fr Á.F. Artime with songs, dances and gifts. Before entering the gym, the Rector Major blessed the new buildings of the   Bolivia Projects Office.

Fr Á.F. Artime was very clear in saying that, although he is not Don Bosco, he tries to be faithful to his way of thinking. He also said that listening to the testimonies and seeing so many children, educators, volunteers and other members of the Salesian Family made him feel that he was in another Valdocco. He finished by saying a prayer with everyone present.

By mid-afternoon, at the Don Bosco Central house, about 3000 people were waiting,  including children, students and their parents, members of the Salesian Youth Movement and the Salesian Family.

In the gymnasium he witnessed dances and moments of great joy and enthusiasm. Don Á.F. Artime said that Bolivia is privileged to have the presence of ten groups of the Salesian Family, and it was very clear that a real family exists in this Province. Then he thanked the young leaders of the SYM, calling them the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus, and the educators to whom he said that they should be an example for the many young people.

In the evening, in the parish of Mary Help of Christians, he celebrated the Eucharist with the Salesian Family. After Mass, young people in traditional costume greeted the Rector Major with drums and fireworks, and a real Salesian-style party took place.

Published 10/04/2015