The Rector Major was greeted by a double row of young people in traditional costumes who braved the rain and welcomed him with enthusiasm. The event started with an artistic presentation by a choreography group.
Fr Á.F. Artime held an open dialogue with the young people. Children, adolescents and youth raised some Salesian concerns such as the art of discovering the signs of youthful holiness, resources for the Salesians, devotion to Mary Help of Christians and other questions.
All Salesian work, the Rector Major said, must lead the young to fall in love with Jesus and discover Mary as the Mother of each one.
The series of questions ended with a surprise: a huge cake and a group of mariachi to celebrate the birthday of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.
In a meeting with the Salesian Family and especially with young people, the Rector Major gave some words to be treasured. They can be summarized in ten sentences:
• "You have to give your life to be happy."
• "My work is to accompany the Salesians all over the world to continue to fulfil the dream."
• "Where there are young people, the Salesian heart feels very good."
• "I became a Salesian because I really liked what I experienced with them when I was a student."
• "Whenever I see a young person destroying his or her life, my heart aches.”
• "It is incredibly beautiful to help young people to overcome their problems."
• "The Lord works with young people as in a work of art where everyone finds his or her place."
• "Dear educators: young people must feel that they are loved."
• "Young people should be happy."
• "All Salesian work must lead the young to fall in love with Jesus and discover Mary as the Mother of each one."
