(ANS - Ljubljana) - The visit of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, to the Province of Slovenia is proceeding according to plan. Yesterday, 12 November, he arrived in the country and spent the day meeting with the elderly Salesians and the community of the Provincial House, as well as some FMA sisters and young people from the house at Želimlje.

Upon arriving in Slovenia with his secretary Fr Horacio López, the Rector Major went to pay homage to the elderly and sick Salesians in the house of Trstenik. In a climate of gratitude, Fr Á.F. Artime expressed his thanks for their service over many years and for the testimony of life they give as they live the Salesian charism, with serenity and fidelity, in their present condition.

When they reached the Provincial House, the Rector Major was warmly welcomed by the Salesians of the community and by the Salesian Sisters of the nearby provincial community, led by their Provincial, Sr Damjana Tramte.

In the afternoon Fr Á.F. Artime went to the nearby community at Želimlje, where he met with about 300 young Salesian school students, of whom about 200 are boarders. The Rector Major had a very joyful afternoon with them, viewing their performances and singing for them. He spoke with them in a very frank dialogue on four fundamental dimensions of the Salesian charism - home, school, church and playground - and answered their questions on his personal experience, and some relating to Salesian work in these areas at the present time.

The day ended with an evening of festivity with the young people. This morning the Rector Major met with about 60 Salesians from the whole province - almost two-thirds of the Salesians of Slovenia. In the afternoon he will talk with members of the Provincial Council about the current situation of the Province, its strengths and the challenges to be overcome. He will also speak about the life of the Congregation and of the five fruits and dreams of the Bicentenary.

Published 13/11/2015