(ANS – Soyapango) – On Thursday afternoon 27 October at the Don Bosco University in Soyapango the Salesian Family entertained the Rector Major in a typically Salesian manner.

First the Rector Major met the Salesians in formation, who had come from Guatemala for the occasion. Prenovices, postnovices, students of theology and Brothers from the “Cresco” Centre had the opportunity to meet the IX Successor of Don Bosco and listen to his message about creative fidelity to Don Bosco and to his mission.

Then it was the turn of the members of the Salesian Youth Movement, who, full of enthusiasm, had gathered to see and  listen to the Rector Major; and naturally to take photos to record the occasion. Following some dancing and accounts of their own experiences, with a mixture of youthful exuberance and moments of quiet reflection they listened to Fr Pascual Chávez as he encouraged and challenged them.

“I am very concerned about the gangs of young people, who are wasting the most precious years of their youth. We need a different kind of young person,” Fr Chávez told them. “Christ is our best friend; it is necessary to try to get close to Him, to build  a new life in Christ, to be strong in the faith.” Then in the familar words of Don Bosco, he said: “You have stolen my heart,”  - to great joy and applause.

Then the Salesian Family had their meeting with the Rector Major, who gave them a   five-point programme: defending life; the family; education;   the new evangelisation; and vocations. “It is important,” Fr Chávez reminded them, “to keep at the centre the mission which unites all of us together: that is, the young and the Preventive System.”

Finally each group had their photograph taken with Fr Chávez, in the joyful confusion which affection for Don Bosco and  his representative generated. There was then a typically Salesian social gathering in which the Provincials and their Councils who had been taking part in the Team Visit joined in.

Published 02/11/2011