(ANS - Zagreb) - On 6 October 1913 the first Salesians came from Verona, Italy, to Rovigno, a town in Istria, and on 12 October of the same year they made their solemn entry to the oratory. To celebrate the centenary of this event, the Saint John Bosco Province of Croatia organized a series of celebrations and activities from 12 to 14 October. The Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, took part in the festivities.

On the first day the Rector Major was received by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Hon. Ivo Josipovic. Together they discussed the subject of the education of young people. Fr Chávez then attended the launch of the bookIn Memory of deceased Salesians of the Province of Croatia  by Fr Marinko Ivankovic.

The rest of the day was dedicated to the meeting of young people of the Salesian works of the Province, with the theme: " See you all - in Paradise." Fr Chávez gave the young people three proposals for life: leave footprints , like Jesus and Don Bosco ; swim against the tide; and dream about the future with a clear vision of life. The day continued with the Eucharist, presided over by Archbishop Zef Gashi, SDB of Bar in Montenegro. This was followed by the "good night" talk and a youth vigil.

Sunday began with a meeting with the Salesian Cooperators and Past Pupils. The Rector Major entrusted to them the twofold task of caring for the family and the education of youth. The Centenary Mass then took place in the shrine of the Holy Mother of Liberty, in the presence of many young people, faithful and religious of many different congregations, the Salesians of the whole province , and the civil and religious authorities. The Mass was presided over by Archbishop Ivan Devčić of Rijeka, and was transmitted by National Television and Radio Maria.

In his homily, Fr Chávez took his cue from the scripture reading of the healing of Naaman and reminded all present to give thanks to God for the 100 years of the Salesians in Croatia.  Later nineteen new Salesian Cooperators made ​​their promise, while the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians   renewed their vows.

In the afternoon the Rector Major met the FMA from Croatia and Slovenia and also the Salesian aspirants and pre-novices. He invited them all to reflect on the beauty and greatness of the Salesian vocation.

Yesterday, the last day of the festivities, about 80 Salesians from the whole province gathered round the Rector Major. Fr Chávez spoke with them and urged them to believe in young people, in education and in the Preventive System.

After the closing Eucharist and final meal, the Rector Major invoked the blessing of God and the intercession of Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco on the future of Salesian work in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Published 15/10/2013