(ANS - Gjilan)- For one of his first trips in Europe, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, chose Albania and Kosovo, where, since 1992, the Salesian Congregation has multiplied its efforts to keep alive the charism of Don Bosco. A few days after the conclusion of the visit, the Salesians of Gjilan still remember that meeting with gratitude.

At Gjilan the Rector Major arrived on the morning of 2 October, his feast day. More than 300 people had gathered in the auditorium, for three very significant reasons: the inauguration of the school which is opening this year with its first fifty-two students; the official opening of the celebrations of the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco; and a seminar on education.

The Rector Major, repeating some ideas from the address of the Mayor, Doctor Luftim Haziri, encouraged the pupils of the school, leaders, parents and school personnel to join forces because the well-being of young people and society depends on their education.

According to Don Oreste Valle of the Gjilan community: "He reminded young people, in particular, of a principle very dear to the Salesian tradition - that is to remember that to be gifted with a mind, a heart and a capacity to ensure a balanced growth of one’s own person implies a commitment to work for the good of others. He emphasized their role as 'trailblazers' in the institution, because they have a responsibility to create good traditions for those who come after them."

Then the Rector Major visited the work, observed the vastness of the environment and recommended the direct participation of Salesian personnel for the good management of the work in its early stages. He also spoke at length with Fr Lush Gjiergj, Vicar of the Diocese of Pristina and a great personal friend of Mother Teresa.

In the afternoon there was a meeting with people who feel more involved in the life and work of the Salesians. There were representatives of students, teachers, co-workers, but especially those young people who attend the oratory during leisure time "voluntarily and of their own accord." The Rector Major talked to them about youth leadership, commitment to others and the importance of laying a solid foundation according to the charism of Don Bosco for a work that is destined to grow.

Finally, the Rector Major expressed his satisfaction on seeing the very positive results that already appear in the field of their Salesian educational mission, especially in the oratory and the school.

Published 09/10/2014