What is your dream for the mission shared between Salesians, lay people and young people?
I am reminded of the moment when Don Bosco said to Don Rua: "I give you half of what I have. From now on, you and I will share everything in life". I am deeply moved by how Don Bosco placed his trust in a young man in the creation of the Salesian Congregation. Don Bosco then shared the responsibilities with his boys, making them protagonists of his missionary work. Furthermore, I would also like to underline the humility of Don Bosco in seeking the help of the laity, in particular his mother, Mamma Margherita, by involving them in the development of the Salesian mission. This is my dream when we talk about the mission shared between Salesians, lay people and young people: we must preserve the culture of trust and the humility to ask for help when we cannot do it alone.
What would you like from the Salesian community?
My wish for every Salesian is to live simply, to have an authentic love for the poor, that they may bring the love of God to young people and who can take care of their confreres, protecting each other.
How did you feel while visiting the places of Don Bosco like the Becchi, Chieri and Valdocco?
It seemed surreal to me. I never imagined I could touch the very heart of the Salesian missions. My heart cried with joy and was full of authentic happiness and overflowing gratitude. I was happy to learn new stories that I didn't know and felt I wanted to know more and more about Don Bosco and his works. Many were the feelings that emerged during our visit to the holy places of Don Bosco, but I was sure of one thing: I thought of all the young Salesians and their families, I dreamed and prayed so that they too could have the opportunity to visit and live the roots of our Salesian history.
What can you say about your experience of speaking with the GC28 delegates?
It was an honor and a privilege to be able to speak with the delegates, communicating with them even outside their offices, challenging language barriers. Talking to them made me feel connected with Salesian missions all over the world. Now I hope that whatever they have planned for the next 6 years does not remain only in writing, but that it can be experienced in the Provinces and in the local communities.
