(ANS - Medellín) - Yesterday, Thursday 29 October, the Rector Major arrived in Medellin.  Waiting at the airport there were a group of young people, mostly Salesians in formation, who welcomed him with songs and demonstrations of joy. On his visit to the Province of Medellín, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime will participate in the Congress, "the Salesian charism and post-conflict", organized as part of the closing celebrations for the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco. "Reconciliation has to come hand in hand with justice," the Rector Major said to the newspaper "El Colombiano".

At the Provincial House in Medellin, the Rector Major was greeted by Salesians, employees of the centre, young people, students and the band of the Colombian Army, who organized a parade through the streets in his honour, with local flags and also the flags of Spain - in honour of Fr Á.F. Artime.

Later Fr Jorge Iván Pérez, Rector of the Provincial House, welcomed the Rector Major, expressing the "joy of having Don Bosco in our midst." (Photo gallery of the day).

In an interview with the journalist Martha Arias from "El Colombiano", Fr Á.F. Artime spoke about the Salesians in the city and the importance of education, stating that "as a Salesian educator I say that the cornerstones are respect and that the students feel valued and loved for who they are. In this way education creates men and women who are open to reconciliation, seeking peace and dialogue. It is important to learn to deal with diversity of thought without recourse to anything other than words."

Then, in reference to the peace process with FARC, the Rector Major said: "I pray that reconciliation may be possible and for a peaceful post-conflict. Without having a full look at everything, I believe that reconciliation must come hand in hand with justice. We are holding a Salesian Congress. There we will speak about our contribution to help the process to move forward. These processes take time, it will not be just a matter of months but they will bring about a new Colombia." (The full interview, is available in Spanish).

The congress "Salesian charism and post-conflict", which opened on the morning of Thursday 29 October, involves 400 people. It is part of the celebrations for the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, and 100 years of Salesian presence in Medellin and 50 years at Ciudad Don Bosco.

In his opening address, the Provincial Fr John Jairo Gomez stressed that "education is our contribution to education for peace in Colombia and the world. Educating in the style of Don Bosco gives radical witness for justice and peace, not with words, but with concrete evidence."

The conference, which ends today Friday 30 October, will also see the participation of the Rector Major, and an audience of about 700 people.

Published 30/10/2015