The young people representing the various Congregations of the Salesian Family entered into dialogue immediately with the Rector Major. He answered questions from them and encouraged them with these words: "You are unique, you are precious … do not give up on your dreams, do not lose your Salesian joy."
The Rector Major then said that he dreamt of a more beautiful future for El Salvador and insisted that he believed that they could build honesty and peace through the way they lived their lives. Speaking of mercy, he told the young people that to be merciful we must first experience the tenderness of God. Finally, he urged them to share their Salesian joy with young people in difficulty, because joy comes from within, from living values.
Students of the various schools then performed traditional dances that were greatly appreciated by the Rector Major. He said he was struck by the simplicity, warmth and peaceful atmosphere. Before taking leave of the young people he said he would continue to carry them in his heart.
In the afternoon the Rector Major met with the many Salesians working in El Salvador and encouraged them to grow in their Salesian identity and the Salesian mission.
Later in the evening, he got to watch a spectacular artistic interpretation of the missionary dream of Don Bosco, where he dreamed of flying from Turin to Argentina, India, China and Japan, anticipating the places where the Salesian missionaries would later work. What made the show impressive was the ability of the young people to perform on stage the artistic and musical traditions of those countries in the dances and costumes of each country.
The following day the Rector Major left El Salvador at the end of his visit to the Province of Central America.
