(ANS - Genoa) - The visit which the Rector Major is making in these days to the Province of Italy Liguria-Tuscany (ILT) has included many engagements.
24 April opened with his giving the `Good Morning` to the youngsters in the Middle and Upper Schools of the Institute of Sampiedarena. Also to them Fr Chávez gave some secrets for happiness: having a dream or plan for life as Don Bosco did with his dream at 9 years of age; developing all one`s physical, intellectual and spiritual gifts and developing one`s faith so that it becomes fully mature in the knowledge and love of Christ.
Afterwards he visited the diocesan seminary of Vallecrosia where he was met by Bishop Alberto Maria Careggio, the Rector and parish priest of the Salesian community, Fr Giulivo Torri and the Superior of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Sr. Giovanna Bovino.
Then Fr Chávez went to visit the house where the first Salesians came to Vallecrosia 130 years ago. On the steps of the Salesian church before a large crowd of people Bishop Carreggio said: "Today as in Don Bosco`s times there is need to give special attention the young who often feel alone especially in their journey of faith. The Salesians are a great support in helping the young generations to reach maturity. They have been doing this at Vallecrosia for over a century." Present for the occasion was also the Mayor of Vallecrosia, Dr. Silvano Coese, a Salesian past pupil. Inside the Church the Rector Major was welcomed by the youngsters, the young people and some members of the Salesian Family. Speaking to the youngsters and the teachers, recalling the trust that Don Bosco had in his boys, the Rector Major said: "It is necessary to offer young people a new vision of life. It needs to be welcomed as a mystery that finds its meaning in a meeting with Christ who loves and has given his life for us."
In the afternoon in the Hall of the Tursi Palace in Genoa, Fr Pascual Chávez received honorary citizenship on behalf of the Salesian Congregation from the Mayor of the city Dr. Giuseppe Pericu. The ceremony was introduced by some words from Fr Sergio Nuccitelli, Rector of the Salesian house of Genoa-Sampierdarena, and Dr. Giovanni Maria Flick, Vice President of the Constitutional Court and a past pupil of Sampierdarena.
Afterwards, the Archbishop of Genoa Angelo Bagnasco, the new President of the Italian Bishops` Conference, received the Rector Major in a private audience in his residence.
In the evening Fr Chávez took part in a Youth Festival at the old port of Genoa where the youngsters of the Salesian Youth Movement in the city were assembled. To them too the Rector Major recalled the importance of having a positive view of life. He then gave the missionary cross to the young people who in recent years have been in misssion lands with the Salesian Youth Movement of the ILT Province.
Published 25/04/2007
