RMG - Feast of the Rector Major

25 June 2021
RMG - Feast of the Rector Major

(ANS – Rome) - Every 24th of  June, the Salesian congregation celebrates the figure of the Rector Major, Successor and Continuer of the person of Don Bosco. With the participation of all the confreres from the communities belonging to the RMG, the feast took place in the evening at the Generalate, with the Holy Mass in the Sacred Heart Basilica, followed by felicitations and moments of fraternity.

This feast, born in the oratory of Valdocco in 1855, is a tradition that is repeated continuously each year, and is an expression of the lively family spirit. Since the first years, the Salesians, his boys and past pupils, gathered around Don Bosco to celebrate his name feast, to express their affection, gratitude and fidelity to their common father on the part of his beloved sons.

Every year, this feast on 24 June is also an opportunity for the communities of RMG to celebrate the Jubilee of the confreres. This year, the silver jubilee of the priestly ordination of Fr. Stefano Vanoli and Fr. Joshtrom Kureethadam, and the silver jubilee of the religious profession of Fr. Pavel Ženíšek, together with Sr. Maria Mercedes Guaita and Sr. Maria José Rey Merodio, (secular sisters of "Missionaries of the Risen Christ" of Buenos Aires, who work at the Sacro Cuore, particularly for the service of migrants and refugees) were celebrated.

The solemn mass in the basilica witnessed the participation of all confreres, with a representation of young people, members of some groups of the Salesian Family and the presence of Msgr. Alberto Lorenzelli from Chile. The Rector Major Fr. Angel, in his homily reiterated that, as it was for John the Baptist, God intervenes and works wonders for us, despite our possible barrenness. Like John the Baptist, and Don Bosco in his time with his boys, we too must deeply touch the life of each one and create a positive impact on the people we encounter. Like John the Baptist and Don Bosco, we too need to be precursors for Jesus, giving abundant fruits in the following of Christ, generating sons and daughters through prayer, service, love and the gift of oneself.

The felicitations took place after the mass, and Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the vicar of the Rector Major, while wishing and congratulating Fr. Angel, underlined how he could testify to the gifts of intuition and courage that shone in him, and affirmed that the Rector Major has been leading the congregation very well with a lot of optimism and confidence. He also added, that just as the past pupils had given to Don Bosco, two silver hearts symbolically on his feast day, so also today, the silver hearts that we symbolically offer our Rector Major is our fidelity, collaboration, affection and prayers. Then Fr. Angel congratulated the jubilarians and that moment concluded with a group photo in front of the statue of Don Bosco.

The Sacro Cuore courtyard had a festal display, with wonderful expressions of songs, music, games and sumptuous food, together with the young people. The family spirit that was displayed through various programmes was very much felt and it was indeed very participatory. The cultural expressions of the General Councilors and other confreres added colour to the event.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/13142-rmg-feast-of-the-rector-major#sigProId67e90ac7fb

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