(ANS - Lima) - Young Salesian students from Peru gathered in the arena of the St. Francis de Sales House in Lima to bid farewell to the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, at the conclusion of his visit to the country, a visit which had commenced on 15 April. Over 1500 students shouted with one voice: "Viva Jesus, Viva Don Bosco, Viva Don Ángel". It was an evening of excitement, joy, gratitude, but especially of the Salesian charism and spirituality.

There to meet the Rector Major were Students of secondary schools run by the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and members of the Salesian Youth Movement. There was a delegation from the SYM in Chosica, who had made an effort to be present despite the problems caused by the recent floods. They were still able to convey joy, hope and optimism even in adversity.

"My dear young people, I have been looking forward to this meeting with you, since I arrived in Peru" were the first words of the Rector Major. After the welcome ceremony, Mass was presided over by the Rector Major and concelebrated by the Provincial, Fr Santo Dal Ben, and about forty priests from the twenty-four Salesian communities in the country.

In his homily Fr Á.F. Artime said: "I want to tell you one thing that I feel very strongly in my heart, my dear young people. I think one way of living the Christian life is to have the courage to ask the Lord: 'Lord, what do you want from me, Lord, what do you want me to do?' I leave you this challenge, my dear young people. Often, perhaps, you do not ask, because you are afraid of the answer, but I can assure you that the most important question is what to do in life."

The arena vibrated with even greater force when Fr Diego Clavijo, a member of the community of San Lorenzo-Kuyuntsa which works with the indigenous Achuar people, placed a crown of toucan feathers on the head of the Rector Major. The crown represents the authority of a community and can be worn only by special people among the Achuar, as a symbol of wisdom and understanding.

Then the Rector Major had a meeting with young people from various Salesian houses, dialoguing and discussing with them. Needless to say, music and dance featured strongly in their meeting with the Rector Major.

More information about the closing ceremony is available on the website of the Salesians of Peru.

Published 17/04/2015