Portugal – Extraordinary Visit brings hope to communities of Setubal and Estoril

12 May 2021

(ANS - Setúbal) - Fr Gildasio Mendes, General Councilor for Social Communication, spent two days of his Extraordinary Visitation, conducted in the name of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, at the recent presence of the Salesians in Setúbal.  He then continued his journey and reached Estoril.

"A joyful and fraternal presence that has greatly enriched the dreams and motivations among the confreres and in the Province itself for what is about to be delineated for this 'house'. His vision and sharing of the guidelines, coming from the Rector Major and the center of the Congregation, have brought us firm hope in the mission we are developing among those who need us most,” commented the Salesians of Setúbal.

The time spent with the Salesian community, the Salesian Family and the parish's Christian community marked the different experiences of April 30 and May 1, and manifested communion with the whole Congregation.

“The Hope he brought us will be an important light for those we welcome in this city,” said the Salesians in Setúbal.

The Salesian presence in Estoril received the Extraordinary Visitation of Fr Mendes from 2 to 6 May: five days marked by moments of inspiration and warmth.

The visit began on the 2nd around 8 in the morning, when the community had the opportunity to welcome the visitor with much joy and fraternity during the prayer of Lauds.

Then it continued in personal dialogues with the Salesians and the leaders of the various sectors of the Salesian presence and a number of groups: educators, the Salesian Family, the school administration, the Past Pupils Center of Estoril, the parents' association, the vocation group, the pastoral council and finally the Salesian community.

In this last meeting, Fr Mendes declared he had come to listen and to learn more about the Salesian presence, which he did throughout his visit.

During this five-day visit, he never failed to address a kind and close word to all the students. The students in turn showed him their joy and enthusiasm by offering him a gift or a cultural moment to thank him for his visit. In conclusion, the whole educational-pastoral community thanked him for his closeness and wished him the greatest blessings of God.

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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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