What made you want to become a Salesian?
I made the decision after graduating from high school. Some Salesians were friends of my parents. They were joyful, spontaneous, intelligent, happy people ... When I decided to become a priest, I wanted to be a Salesian priest, because I wanted my life to become joyful.
The joy of being a Salesian comes from being together with kids and young people, giving them hope for a good and successful life. And this joy and optimism are rooted in God, who is a profound foundation of Salesian life, and also springs from the encounter with people.
What do you bring with you of the GC28 experience?
First of all, I saw the largeness of our Congregation and so much cultural diversity. Furthermore, I very much liked the theme: "Which Salesians for today's young people?" It is current, deals with the reality of young people and the answer we have to give them ... There is a need for discernment done together, with an outlook of faith and the courage to walk on the roads of God.
I consider the GC28 very important for our life and mission: we must continue the Salesian charism in today's world and bring Don Bosco's love to the poorest and neediest young people.
In the past few weeks marked by restrictions on Covid-19, what have you learned of the new assignment?
The Covid-19 pandemic was surprising ... It has allowed us to understand more and more the fragility of human life and although it physically limited us, it did not diminish our love for young people and people. We discovered the great value of being and working together. I saw the great creativity of my confreres and there was no lack of optimism, hope, courage to want to help others.
I believe that there is always a need for Salesians who dedicate themselves entirely to the good of the people and, especially, to the good of the poorest young people.
What do you dream of for your region six years from now?
First of all, we need a great faith in Providence which helps us to see reality with eyes full of hope, so that we can remain faithful to our Salesian charism. As in Don Bosco's times, so too in today's world, there is a need for the Salesians together with the Salesian Family and the laity to be able to respond to new challenges, looking at the "signs of the times". We certainly need courage and determination to bring the Good News to people in Europe, but always having the willingness to also bring it to other continents. During these years the change of structures will continue, but what is very important is fidelity to the Salesian charism, working together with and for young people.
