The day commenced with a captivating presentation by Fr Gildasio Mendes, the General Councillor for Social Communications, who shed light on the vibrant Communication landscape of Africa. He emphasized the region's rich traditions of music, dance, art, and culture, while underscoring the significance of interpersonal, institutional, and digital communication. Fr Gildasio Mendes urged the Salesians and laypeople of the Africa-Madagascar Region to adopt a charismatic, pastoral, and intercultural perspective in all their initiatives in the field of Communication. He also stressed the importance of providing comprehensive training to Salesians and lay individuals in this domain.
Subsequently, Fr Stefano Martoglio, the Vicar of the Rector Major, delivered his insights on the theme of «Accompanying the future, the configuration of the Africa and Madagascar Region. » He commended the region's dynamism and lauded the enthusiastic response from the participants, viewing it as a glimpse into the present and future of the Congregation. Fr Martoglio emphasized that the growth of the Salesians in Africa should not be measured solely in numerical terms but rather in terms of their charismatic impact. He called for prompt consideration of the reorganization of the Africa-Madagascar Region to provide enhanced support.
The afternoon session was dedicated to evaluating the outcomes of the Team Visit, during which each province shared the results of their discussions and identified the challenges they face. Several provinces raised concerns regarding financial autonomy, the preservation of charismatic identity, and the need for unity and communion among the various entities.
In his concluding remarks, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major, presented eleven guidelines for the Region. Paramount among these were the nurturing of the Salesian consecrated identity, the development of a shared vision that prioritizes the welfare of impoverished young people, an unwavering commitment to transparency and honesty, and a contemplation of the reconfiguration of the region.
The presence of Msgr. Arnaldo Sánchez Catalán, the Apostolic Nuncio to Rwanda, was a delightful and unexpected addition for all the participants of the Team Visit. In his address, he expressed gratitude to the Salesians for their missionary endeavors and their notable contributions in the field of education and vocational training for young individuals. He fondly reminisced about his affinity to Don Bosco and the Salesian family, revealing that news of his appointment as nuncio arrived on the feast day of Don Bosco, January 31. Quoting Pope Francis, Msgr. Sánchez Catalán stated, "While solidarity is the principle that allows the unequal to become equal, fraternity allows those who are equal to be different." He encouraged everyone to strive for the common good, fostering a spirit of communion and fraternity within the Salesian mission and the Church in Africa.
The meeting concluded on a warm note, with participants enjoying a fraternal meal accompanied by captivating cultural performances by young individuals from the Salesian presence in Kigali.
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