(ANS – Tirana) – To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the presence in Albania, the Salesian Family organised a weekend full of events: on 9 March at Tale, the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Mother Yvonne Reungoat, opened the “Laura Vicuña socio-educational centre. On the following day in Tirana there was a large celebration in which the Salesian Youth Movement in Albania and Kossovo took part, the opening of a day centre and a youth gather.

The main event was the opening of the “Tale Village”, of the FMA supported in part by the Italian Cooperation for Development through the Foreign Ministry  and the NGO Vides and Labormundi. There is a house for the Sisters and a centre for young women. Many of the local inhabitants from Tale were present including  various authorities, the Italian Ambassador, the Nuncio Apostolic in Albania, Archbishop Ramiro Moliner Ingles, the Superiors of the SDB and FMA Provinces for Southern Italy  Fr Pasquale Cristiani and Sr Marinella Scano and all the FMA and SDB  in Albania.

On Saturday 10 March, in Tirana, the Salesian Youth Movement held their celebrations  with about 700 young people from Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Fr Gino Martucci, Rector of the Salesian house in Scutari, led the activities and reminded them of the reason for the  celebration and especially of the many SDB and FMA Religious who had devoted their lives to sow the seed and to nurture the Salesian charism. There were also words of thanks for the many volunteers, co-workers and young people who had made an important contribution.

Mother Yvonne Reungoat spoke to the young people and told them how much confidence she had in them. “You are the hope for the future, the world needs you,” Mother said as she exhorted them  not to be afraid to take Jesus to the world.

Then near the church there was the opening of the new Day Centre for Rom children and youngsters. Five trees were planted in the garden near the centre as a symbol representing the five centres of the Salesian Family in Albania and Kosovo.

Archbishop Moliner Ingles presided at the Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop George Frendo, the auxiliary of Tirana-Durres and by all the Salesians present including the Rectors of the communities of Scutari, Fr Martucci, of Tirana, Fr Marek Gryn, and of Pristina, Fr Matteo Fiore.

The celebrations continued with a  lottery and sports events for the groups from the  various centres of the Salesian Family, in a great spirit of friendship and  joy.

Published 20/03/2012