Peru –'You are always the most important thing'

18 February 2023
Peru –'You are always the most important thing'

(ANS - Magdalena del Mar) - Yesterday, 17 February, the fifth day of accompaniment on the Peruvian soil, Fr Ángel experienced pleasant and enriching moments. In the morning he met the Provincial Council members, to share and discuss the challenges facing the province and the congregation. It was also the first session of the newly appointed Provincial, Fr Juan Pablo Alcas sdb. In the afternoon, the Rector Major went to the Rosenthal de la Puente Salesian College to spend a moment of fraternity with the boys and girls of the Salesian Houses in Peru: Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Calca, Monte Salvado, Huancayo, Arequipa and Breña, who had gathered to celebrate the 16th National Meeting of Don Bosco Houses.

 

In his message, Fr Angel turned to the boys to tell them that he was very happy to meet them and share a brief moment with them. "The most important thing right now is you. You are always the most important thing,' with these opening words the 10th Successor of Don Bosco began his reflection.

"The first thing I want to tell you is that I am very happy to be with you. I come from where Don Bosco comes from, and I am sure Don Bosco is celebrating, because young people like you are our favourites. You are our favourites,' he affirmed. He added, 'the greatest joy for the Salesians is to feel that you, in the various homes where you are, are happy’.

In a second moment, the representatives of the Don Bosco Houses asked Fr Ángel some questions, which he was happy to answer. "How did your vocation come about, Father?" asked a young man from Arequipa. In response to this question, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco recounted his childhood memories and how he began his life with the Salesians. "When I was about to begin my career as a doctor, I felt the need in my heart to say that I was very happy in the Salesian house".

In the evening, at 6pm, a Eucharist was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, presided over by Fr Ángel and concelebrated by a large group of Salesian confreres. It was a moment of thanksgiving and gratitude for all the lay people and Salesians who are part of this Salesian history.

In his homily, Fr Ángel thanked all those who had made these 100 years possible: 'The first word is thank you. I want to thank all the people who have made this reality present until today". In another moment, he recalled that "for 100 years the parish has been a beacon that has radiated faith, that has sustained this neighbourhood, which has been very popular".

Secondly, while addressing the Salesians he remarked 'we are not Salesians in the Peru of 2023, just to survive or to live quietly while it lasts. We are Salesians of Don Bosco because we are needed today as we were 100 years ago, but only to serve, not to possess power'.

"Celebrating this centenary means serving the boys and girls of Peru for many years to come. Wherever they are, and among them, the most disadvantaged".

The district mayor, Francis Allison, congratulated Fr Ángel on the great work the Salesian Congregation is doing in the world, especially in Peru, in favour of young people.

At the end of the Eucharist, the young people from the Don Bosco Houses presented him with various artistic performances from their regions. Afterwards, they gathered at the Casa de Acogida in Magdalena del Mar, where young Venezuelan migrants paid a brief tribute to each other.

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