(ANS - Lviv) - From October 13 to 16, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, is visiting the Salesians of the Eastern Rite of Ukraine - the only group of the Greek-Catholic rite in the Congregation.

by Fr Yuriy Smakous, SDB

The reason for the visit is to get to know this recent Salesian development, to meet the Confreres and to animate the Salesian mission in this country which is currently going through difficult times.

On his arrival at the airport in Lviv, Fr Ángel was greeted with affection by the children of the Pokrova Family Home cared for by the Salesians of Lviv. Among those present were Fr Tadeusz Rozmus, Councillor for the Region of Northern and Central Europe; Fr Onorino Pistellato, the outgoing Superior; Fr Karol Maník,  the newly appointed Superior; and several Salesians and members of the Salesian Family.

Yesterday, 14 October, was a day of Marian devotion, since on that date, in the Eastern calendar, they celebrate the feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, corresponding to the feast of Mary Help of Christians.

The divine liturgy of the feast was celebrated in the Salesian parish of Pokrova , Protection  of the Virgin Mary. Bishop Josyf Mylian, auxiliary bishop of Kiev, presided and Bishop Emeritus Andriy Sapelak, SDB, concelebrated.  Many Salesians and members of the Salesian Family were present, and many of the faithful.

In the afternoon the Rector Major visited the pre-novitiate at Vynnyky. He spoke words of greeting and encouragement to the pre-novices and young people, inviting them to grow in their vocation.

Today, 15 October, the Rector Major is meeting the Salesian confreres of Ukraine and also confreres of the Latin rite working in the country. In the second part of the morning, he will preside over the inauguration of the new Superior of the Salesians in Ukraine, Fr Karol Maník, and his  profession of faith.

Published 15/10/2014