Among the topics discussed by the Rector Major with young people, the following stand out:
Digital Platforms and Digital Transformation
In this regard, the Rector Major made it clear that "in the future, the Salesian mission will continue in both modes. The digital platform is not the only way and the best way of life. Young people need to meet, to be together, to embrace each other! The pandemic and virtual spaces, on the other hand, have opened up many possibilities to have meetings and to see each other face to face even if they cannot be physically present. Today's chances are very good and are here to stay! But they will not replace the personal 'presence' in the courtyard, rather they will complement it!"
Salesian Mission
With regard to the fundamental role of Salesian religious and laity, the Rector Major stressed that "Salesian brothers and sisters must always be in the midst of young people! We do not need physical structures and large investments to carry out the Salesian mission. Only young people are needed, so that they can always be accompanied by Salesians as Don Bosco dreamt. This is also the dream of the Rector Major."
Lack of hope in young people
For those who wonder where God is and have lost their orientation in life, the Rector Major recalls that we must not lose confidence in life: "we have the opportunity to tell young people that they are not alone and that there are people who care for them. Young people don't stay in a room, on your sofa! Be the young people who speak of God! God needs all of us, because he wanted it that way. Be the protagonists of your journey".
On this important theme, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime stressed that young people must have a life plan and talk about it with God. "Today we must prepare for tomorrow, and tomorrow the day after tomorrow. The project of life must be as great as happiness! We don't live to be unhappy. Happiness, when it is not deep -is not true! It is only a set of moments and experiences. In the end, it is the heart that tells whether it is happy or not. God has a dream for each of his young people, but it is necessary that they want to be part of this dream!"
Sacrament of Presence
According to the tenth Successor of Don Bosco, the Salesian sacrament of presence is very important among young people. "It is an affective and effective presence. We must be with young people, talk and listen! Our presence in schools gives us the opportunity to take care of young people. But where are our young people who do not have access to these schools? What do our young people need today? Families? Or activities that bring young people closer together so as not to make them lose in life? We must always think creatively to ensure this presence."
Responding to how young Salesians can contribute to a more human and fraternal society in political issues, the Rector Major stressed that "having the opportunity to prepare young people for political life in our presences is important. Young people must be involved in politics, yes, but they must aim for politics with sensitivity and values. Young people with a Salesian heart must always take care of each other".
At the end of the meeting, the young people thanked the Rector Major for his presence with a warm applause and honored him with gifts as a sign of gratitude and welcome.
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