India - The Rector Major and the option for those most in need

18 November 2016

(ANS - Tiruchy) – His journey through the different Provinces of the South Asia region is not finished yet, but the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, has reason to be thankful. Remembering the neediest children cared for by the Salesians of Tiruchy, he says on his Facebook page: "It was good to see their smiling faces, their joy at this visit which perhaps was strange for them. I cannot even imagine what they are feeling in their little hearts."

"We leave behind (and we carry in our hearts) four wonderful days of intense experiences in the Tiruchy region. Today I really enjoyed the meeting we had with several hundred boys and girls, children and adolescents, who are cared for in our Salesian houses, both those of the Salesians and of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. There were 72 children present who reside in our homes especially designed to accommodate those who are born with AIDS. It was wonderful to be with them even for a short time."

The Rector Major celebrated Mass with these children, boys and girls, all aged between 8 and 15, who have come from the streets and been rescued from very serious risk. He also attended a concert held a few days in advance to celebrate the international Day for the rights of the Child (which officially falls on 20 November).

The meeting left its mark, certainly on the Rector Major, who commented: "We, the Salesian Family, the Salesians of Don Bosco and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are born for them, for the humble. This is our charism without any doubt. I felt happy to see our brothers and sisters happy in their 'self-giving'. I felt that these faces and these stories spoke so much to me.

Certainly there will always be pain, loneliness and poverty. However, with our contribution, perhaps we can make a difference.

This is what I'm seeing and experiencing here in India. "

There are numerous photos of the Rector Major in the Provinces of Tiruchy and Hyderabad on ANSFlickr.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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