On Monday 8 April, the Don Bosco House in Rawson welcomed the Councillor, who met and accompanied the teams throughout the day. Together with the educational community, he shared the "Good morning", leaving a message of joy and hope for the girls, children and educators who were there. He then met the Animation, Management and Accompaniment Team (EAGA) and the Council of the Work and visited the Salesian Regional Museum. Here he got to know the heritage that the House protects, the processes of founding the city and how the Salesians have been at the service of the needs of the community since their arrival in 1892. In the afternoon, he visited the oratory. "It is about walking together". And, finally, he concluded his visit with a tour of the Saint Margaret Retreat House, where he shared a moment of conviviality with the leaders of the Salesian Youth Movement in Rawson.
"We thank Fr Gabriel Romero for his closeness. His presence has been very valuable for our community because it keeps us engaged and encourages us to follow the dreams of our father Don Bosco in this land of dreams" said the Director General of the House, Cintia Sepúlveda.
On Tuesday, 9 April, he visited the Father Juan Muzio Salesian house in Trelew, where he met the teams that manage it and greeted the boys and girls who take part in its initiatives every day. He was also involved in a meeting with the General Directors and the respective teams of the houses in the area: El Muzio and Nuestra Señora de la Paz in Trelew, and Don Bosco in Rawson.
From 11 to 13 April, Fr Gabriel Romero visited the Caleta Olivia House. Here, Héctor Arismende, Director of the house, said: "Through Fr Romero's visit we were able to feel in communion with the Congregation and the Church. Above all, it helped us to look at ourselves as a Work at the service of the poorest young people in this part of Patagonia dreamed of by Don Bosco, and encouraged us to continue to deepen the steps we are humbly taking (...) The Councillor was very impressed by the family atmosphere and the thriving youth presence in our House, which is also a source of joy for us and a responsibility to be cared for and strengthened."
Between 13 and 15 April, Fr Romero visited the San José Salesian house in Puerto Deseado, and was welcomed by the Rector of the House, Fr Patrick Warjri, and his Salesian confreres. He also spent a special time with the community of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the city. During these days Fr Romero met the different teams that animate and give life to the House; he visited the chapels, the José Koltun Community Centre and the Lourdes Grotto. Finally, he shared the activities with the different educational levels, with the "Exploradores" and was involved in parish activities.
On Tuesday, 16 April, he visited the Santo Domingo Savio House in Comodoro Rivadavia, where he not only met the teamsfor the different sectors of the Houses, but also got to know the work, visited the school, the open courtyard and the Don Mateo Mercante radio and television studio.
The following day, Wednesday, 17 April, the Councillor continued in Comodoro Rivadavia visiting the Deán Funes Salesian house. He started by participating in the "Good Morning", before the members of the EPJA (Education of Young Adults) welcomed him with their traditional breakfast in the school canteen. He had a fraternal meeting of reflection and exchange with the Council of the Work and the Animation, Management and Accompaniment Team of the House, on the academic formation of children and adolescents and on accompaniment in the faith. They shared the projects, and how the work is developed between the different levels, teacher formation and the House Project.
In the afternoon, Fr Romero visited and learned about the development of activities in every sector and met with teachers and students, inviting them to invest in Salesian and human values. He was warmly welcomed by children and teachers at the primary level, with the Entonando Sueños school band, who sang a hymn to Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians. The "Exploradores" (Scouts) of the House, the association of friends of Battalion 29"and Oratory leaders welcomed Fr Gabriel Romero to their headquarters, where they discussed their strengths and challenges in the animation and mission at this time and how to take care of themselves and others.
The day culminated with a sharing in which several representatives of the House's groups gathered, strengthening the bonds of community and fraternity among all those present. At the end of the meeting, Fr Romero asked everyone what was the legacy of Salesian education in this Salesian House. After listening to the different answers, he thanked and invited us to treasure the atmosphere of affection, urging us to think about life with a vision of the future and depth.
In the coming days, the Councillor for the America South Cone Region will continue the Extraordinary Visitation to the Salesian Province of Southern Argentina.
