Spain – Rector Major: "Don Bosco dreamed of La Orotava"

04 May 2023
Spain – Rector Major: "Don Bosco dreamed of La Orotava"

(ANS - La Orotava) - On May 3, the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation made his second stop in Tenerife, as part of the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Salesians in La Orotava. On the way, he met with young people, educators, members of the Salesian Family, and civil authorities.

The starting point, and it could not have been otherwise, was the courtyard of the Salesian house, where boys and girls from all the different educational stages experienced a festive meeting with the 10th Successor of Don Bosco to recreate the oratorian style and to thank Fr. Á.F. Artime for his visit.

"I have been hearing the name of this house for over 30 years, yet I had never been able to come to La Orotava. That is why I am thrilled to be here, to greet you and to look into your eyes, from the youngest to the oldest. It is really very nice and special to be here and see each other," shared the Rector Major in his first greeting, having at his side Fr. Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councilor for the Mediterranean Region, Fr. Ángel Asurmendi, Superior of the Spain-Mary Help of Christians (SMX) Province, Fr. Francisco Jaldo, Director of the Salesian presence, and María Luz Orta Hdez, School Principal.

"Don Bosco dreamed of La Orotava. These 75 years that we are celebrating, in which so much life has been shared, show that the work of Don Bosco has become a reality in Tenerife through each one of you," he explained. "In a few years, your sons and daughters will be in this courtyard celebrating the centenary and you will be talking about this day. So keep believing in your years so that they can take root," he concluded before initiating the family photos with the different stages, having Mount Teide as a witness behind them.

After the photo session with the students and the visit to the facilities, the day continued with a stop at the city's Town Hall, for a greeting with the mayor of Villa de La Orotava, Francisco Linares García. Mayor Garcia expressed gratitude for the city's affection for all things "Salesian," which is demonstrated day after day and as was also seen in the recent coronation of Mary Help of Christians - celebrated on April 23 in the city's main square, with a ceremony presided over by the diocese's bishop, Mons. Bernardo Álvarez, and concelebrated by over 30 priests, in front of a large representation of the entire citizenry.

In the afternoon, a meeting of the entire local Educational-Pastoral Community and Salesian Family was held, during which the Rector Major spoke with representatives of the Salesian Family, the Parents' Association, sports clubs, educators, youth from the Youth Center, along with "NGO Bosco Global" and "Fundación Don Bosco." On the occasion, Fr. Á.F. Artime answered questions about the role of the family within the Educational-Pastoral Community, the importance of the Salesian Family in lay management work, missionary animation, or the integration of different environments in the same work. For each question, he was able to offer different advice, starting from his Salesian way of being and feeling. "The courtyard is sacred. It must be the sacrament of presence," he then remarked.

This moment of family discussion concluded with the blessing of a commemorative azulejo - a glazed ceramic of local tradition - and the subsequent Eucharist of renewal of Salesian commitment. "I have never tired of repeating it during my 10 years of service throughout the Salesian world: at the center of all Salesian work, in the name of the Lord Jesus and with the style and in fidelity to Don Bosco, there must always be young people," he stressed in his homily, during which he also took stock of the moments shared in Tenerife.

"The heart of every young person has a key that opens it, but the door opens only from the inside. This must be the Salesian magic. Don Bosco was a magician in making his boys feel that it was possible for them to open their hearts to him: because he had won their affection. May this always continue to be part of the Salesian style decalogue," he concluded, encouraging all present to make the most of the next 25 years as we approach the centenary of Salesian presence.

For all who attended, it was a day to give thanks to the Salesian project for La Orotava, with its profound Salesian roots, focused on the work of social promotion and education of the villagers. A mission that remains intact to this day and is based on devotion to Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco's Preventive System, and the centrality of each and every young person.

Video - Photos

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/17899#sigProId6647882619

InfoANS

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.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".

Further Information