Zambia – Rector Major reminds young people of their task: "to be salt of the earth and light of the world"

26 April 2022

(ANS - Kabwe) – An animation visit by the Rector Major cannot fail to foresee moments with those who are the center and purpose of the Salesian mission: young people. That is why on Tuesday morning, April 26, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime dedicated himself almost exclusively to them: officiating a Mass especially dedicated to them and then having a warm meeting with the members of the Salesian Youth Movement. Another significant moment was the blessing of the new chapel dedicated to the Blessed and soon-to-be Saint Artemide Zatti, SDB.

The Rector Major celebrated Mass for the young in the parish of St. Mary of Kabwe at 7 a.m. In addition to a large number of young people who came for the occasion, the concelebrants included the Regional Councilor for Africa-Madagascar, Fr Alphonse Owoudou, and the Provincial of the East Africa Province (AFE), Fr Simon Asira Lipuku.

In his homily, Fr Á.F. Artime made ample reference to the Gospel passage in which Jesus exhorts the disciples to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. And, after he recalled, in particular, that young people should always be salt and light for humanity, he offered them some examples of how to be so: by working to pursue their great dreams of justice and equity; by being loving and caring towards other young people and involving them in this movement of love; by working with competence and dedication and avoiding corruption; or by studying seriously and earnestly, in the classroom and outside, for those who go to school. Finally, he asked them to bring to their respective places of origin the message of being salt of the earth and light of the world.

At the end of the Mass, the Rector Major led the liturgy with which the chapel dedicated to Artemide Zatti was solemnly blessed and then posed for photos with various groups of the community.

The second part of the morning was occupied by the meeting with the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of the "Mary Help of Christians" Vice-Province of Zambia-Malawi-Zimbabwe-Namibia (ZMB), during which the Rector Major spoke with the young people of the group and answered some of their questions.

Opening the meeting was Fr Alphonsious Hamwete, SYM Coordinator for the ZMB Vice-Province, who highlighted the liveliness and fidelity of his boys and girls to the Rector Major and their joy for his visit. The SYM representative, Bridget Ndhovu, then urged the 10th Successor of Don Bosco to feel like family in their midst.

The charge and enthusiasm of the young people gave additional energy to the Rector Major, that will accompany him for the rest of his visit.

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