Dominican Republic - "Simplicity, self-giving and love are eminently Salesian values"

01 February 2017

(ANS - Santo Domingo) - It was a wonderful afternoon, surrounded by young people and dreams. The great meeting on the occasion of the feast of Don Bosco took place at the Salesian Technical Institute (ITESA). About 700 young people gathered to meet Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Tenth Successor of Don Bosco. "There is one great thing that I like about you, dear young people: your simplicity. And what I like about my dear Salesian confreres and Salesian Sisters is their loving self-giving. Simplicity, commitment and love - these are eminently Salesian values."

 

The Rector Major, accompanied by his secretary, Fr Horacio López, together with the Provincial of the West Indies, Fr Francisco Batista, and his Council, met with young people and invited them to be fearless and to "go against the tide" so as to reach higher goals. "We have celebrated Don Bosco and the whole movement he founded on behalf of poor young people. It's up to you to continue this adventure."

Mass began at 18.30 with Fr Á.F. Artime presiding and Archbishop Louis Kébrau, Archbishop Emeritus of Cap-Haïtien, concelebrating.  With paternal affection, the Rector Major said: "Dear young people, the world needs you. The world needs young people full of hope and strength. Do not be afraid to live and to dream, but above all, look for a deep happiness in God. "

After the Eucharistic celebration, there was a meeting with the FMA at the Provincial House where Fr Á.F. Artime was first welcomed by the children of "Hogar Escuela Santo Domingo Savio." Then, in the next fraternal gathering he met various Salesian past pupils and benefactors, as well as Fr Jean Paul Mesidor, Superior of the Salesian Province of Haiti, and the Minister of Education, Dr Andrés Navarro, a Salesian Past Pupil.

The Rector Major received the gift of an image of the "Virgen de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia", patroness of the Dominican people, and a painting depicting the life and culture of the Haitian people. The fraternal meeting ended with some words of the Rector Major. "Even today educational miracles happen whenever we reach the heart of a child or young person who feels loved. Today a boy came to me and said: 'Father, I am not coming to ask for a photo, but can I give you a hug?'. That embrace means that there is something good that has been done to this young man. Today I am here to give thanks for the dedication and loyalty and love that have been brought to the Salesian mission."

ANSFlickr.

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".