(ANS - Quito) - Macas and Quito were the final two stages of the Rector Major’s visit to the Province of Ecuador, which ends today 21 April. At Macas Fr Á.F. Artime and his secretary, Fr Horacio López, were welcomed by heavy rain. At Quito, however, they were welcomed by the sisters of the Simiatug community of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, waving flags, singing in Shuar and praying the Our Father in Quichua.

Among those awaiting the arrival of Fr Á.F.Artime in Macas were Dr Roberto Villarroel, Mayor of Macas, and Eng. Rodrigo Lopez, Governor of the province of Morona Santiago. "The Salesians are synonymous with positive change in this city, so we are happy to welcome the Rector Major," said Dr Villarroel.  Eng. Rodrigo Lopez said he felt great gratitude to the Salesians because their presence has brought two improvements in the province - evangelization and education. 

Among the gestures of welcome, the Rector Major received a tawasa, a typical feather crown that indicates people of authority among the Achuar. The Mayor of Macas named him an illustrious guest of the city. Then the students held a parade in his honour to the Arena of La Loma, where Fr Á.F. Artime presided over Mass for about 3,000 young people.

In brief homily the Rector Major recalled the words of the Gospel: "Fear not, it is I, and I am with you." The Rector Major reminded everyone that we must rely on the goodness and the blessings of the Lord. Before the Eucharist ended, Dr Vethowen Chica, a member of the Assembly of Morona Santiago, gave the Rector Major the Dr Vicente Rocafuerte Award, in recognition of the work of the Salesians in the province and in the rest of the world.

When he arrived in Quito, Fr Á.F. Artime met the Salesians in formation in the pre-novitiate of Cumbayá, leaving them a message of encouragement to continue their education as Salesians of heart, without forgetting that the path they have chosen to follow will have its ups and downs and their perseverance in their vocation will depend on these.

At 1.00 p.m. local time the Rector Major presided at the Eucharist in the Temple of San Bartolomeo in Lumbisí-Cumbaya. There he was welcomed by students and teachers from the Cardinal Spellman Salesian Educational Centre. He asked them to reflect on their vocation and above all not to be afraid to ask God what he wants from you." After the Mass, there was another tribute to the Rector Major, with the presentation of a plaque by the Council of the Community of Lumbisí.

Further information on the visit of the Rector Major is available on the website of the Salesians in Ecuador.

Published 21/04/2015