"We must continue to work on an authentic pastoral conversion that, in our homes, also involves caring for the 'communicating vessels' between the pastoral environments of the work: parish, youth center, school and social platforms," said the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation in his meeting with the parish priests, catechists, and pastoral councils of the parishes entrusted to the Salesians.

Fr. Á.F. Artime emphasized that the local Church, which entrusts a parish to the Salesians, "expects from us what distinguishes us, the Salesian charism; it does not want us to be generic." Why he invited Salesian parish priests to have "a Salesian heart, a Salesian simplicity, and to foster a youthful atmosphere."

At the meeting, before speaking with the Rector Major, a number of catechists shared their experiences. Alicia Santos, who considers her time spent in the parish as "an immense blessing," says she saw her invitation to be a catechist as "a call from God," and "I received much more than I gave." Or, Lourdes and Fernando, a Christian couple, recounted how they approached parish life until they "felt the call to do something more." So they offered themselves to the parish priest, who invited them to participate in the "Hogares Don Bosco" (HDB) initiative, where they feel very welcome.

Speaking about catechetical work, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco said "we cannot dedicate ourselves to young people without building the necessary bridges with their families." That's why he encouraged joining forces. "We are in the same boat," he said, emphasizing that in the different environments of a Salesian work "there is a valuable possibility of collaboration with families at no cost." Thus, he encouraged to be "parishes with open doors, and let’s build bridges." In light of this, he underscored the need to propose faith, Christian life, and participation in any one of the groups of the Salesian Family.

And he noted the strength of Salesian parishes, which are usually in works that also have a school and youth center. Hence, he said, the importance of building bridges "to bring young people to celebrate the faith, and the parish itself can go looking for them, not just wait for them to come."

Afterwards, the Rector Major presided over the concluding Eucharist of the visit, during which he reiterated that: "Our homes and our presences must be a space of freshness in this world."

The Eucharist took place at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians of Atocha, in the center of Madrid, a church full of life and with a Salesian flavor, as the Rector Major said in his homily. It is a parish full of young people, educators, animators, parishioners and members of the different groups of the Salesian Family. All gathered around the Tenth Successor of the Father and Master of Youth.

Fr Á.F. Artime did not fail to refer to the Sunday on which the Eucharist was held, Sunday of the Word of God, the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, called by Pope Francis "to help us become aware that the Word must be the source from which we drink and where we direct our gaze," explained the Rector Major.

He then continued by offering two ideas suggested by the Gospel. On the one hand, he recalled how Jesus feels that the Spirit of God is upon Him and entrusts Him with a mission; and on the other, he reminded everyone that the Spirit that descended upon Jesus "is the same Spirit that consecrated us as children of God through Baptism, it is the same Spirit that must fill us all."

From this reflection, the Rector Major's proposal was clear: to return home feeling that each person has received that part of God's Spirit to continue his own mission in the world.

"Our homes, our communities must be, humbly, a space of freshness in this world. To be an oasis for those in need. To be a Christian community with an open door where everyone feels welcome. How many are those whose souls are wounded! This is our mission," he said, addressing each one.

The Eucharist was broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the Salesians of Spain, so the Rector Major also had a few words for those who followed the celebration online. "May our words and prayers reach all of them as well," he added.

At the end, Fr Fernando García, Provincial of the "Spain-St James the Greater" Province (SSM), thanked the Rector Major for his presence and for encouraging everyone to continue the evangelizing mission.

• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
•  

Tweet