On Friday 15 October he was in Kwangju, historically significant as the first foundation of the Salesians in Korea, from which started as a Middle and High School. At present there are two houses, one for the formation of Salesians the other a school.
In the formation house in Kwangju the Rector Major met Fr Robert Falk, for 17 years the Director of Novices, and he gave the traditional “Good Night” to the young students of philosophy and of the pre-novitiate.
The following day Saturday 16 October, Fr Chávez visited the school in Kwangju and he responded affectionately to the youngsters who had put up a banner with the words “Don Bosco arrives in our country.” Afterwards he gave a reflection on spirituality to the Salesian Family, who then responded honouring the Rector Major and his Vicar with artistic musical and dance performances referring in this centenary year to Blessed Michael Rua.
The same day the Rector Major me Archbishop Higino Kim Hee-jong of Kwangju a Salesian past pupil and with whom he was able to appreciate the presentations for the Festival Art Music and Literature. In the afternoon Fr Chávez visiteds the house of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus.
On Sunday afternoon 17 October, the Rector Major arrived in Seoul, where he concelebrated Mass at which Archbishop Osvaldo Padilla, Nuncio Apostolic in Korea presided. Afterwards Fr Chávez went to Daerimdong, where he was e welcomed by the Salesians and attended a performance given by a group of Salesians in formation and a youth dance which displayed a banner: “Welcome Rector Major”. At the end of the day there was to be a meeting with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
Published 19/10/2010
