Australia - Rector Major visits Salesian works in Engadine in a joyful and lively atmosphere

23 April 2023

(ANS - Engadine) – On 23 April, the second day of the visit of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, to Australia began with a visit to the Don Bosco Shrine, led by Director Fr Frank Bertagnolli, who has an in-depth knowledge of Salesian works in the Engadine.

The Rector Major was then accompanied to the Dunlea Centre, formerly Boys' Town, to see the services offered to young people in special needs. He was welcomed by the Director of the Dunlea Centre and some staff members who showed him around the facility with pride.

His visit to the John Paul Retirement Village established by Fr John Briffa who retires there peacefully was another highlight of the day. Fr Briffa was happy to receive the visit of the Rector Major to the Village, and to his private apartment for a special blessing. The Rector Major also had a chance to speak to many retirees who enjoy the services offered by the Village.

Engadine, a suburb in southern Sydney, is home to what is perhaps the largest Salesian presence in Australia; there are three highly successful schools (Primary, Secondary and Special Residential & Day), a retirement village, a vibrant parish and a thriving youth ministry.

Lay collaborators from each of these works gathered with the Salesians and FMA for a fraternal agape with Fr Ángel Fernández Artime as guest of honour. The atmosphere was lively and filled with friendly conversation, as all these people commited to the charism of Don Bosco had gathered to celebrate the 100th year of Salesian presence in Australia and the 70th year in Engadine.

After a few quick speeches of recognition and thanks, it was time for the cutting of the celebratory cake and Don Ángel Fernández Artime was called upon to do the honours. As he stood up, he called table 10 to join him in sharing the task and thus, he cut the cake with 9 youth leaders from St. John Bosco Parish.

The Rector Major also entertained the participants by singing a song playing the guitar. This brought great enthusiasm among those present, who were very impressed by the Rector Major's performance and even joined in the singing despite it being a foreign language!

As lunch drew to a close, each group of co-workers stopped to have their photo taken with the Rector Major, and with that the afternoon came to a close.

After a break of a few hours, many of those who had gathered for lunch returned to attend Mass in the parish church graced by celebrants Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Fr Joseph Nguyen Thinh Phuoc, Councillor for the Asia East-Oceania Region, and Fr William Matthews, Superior of the Salesian Province of Australia-Pacific (AUL), with members of the Salesian community of the Engadine in attendance.

During his homily, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco thanked the parishioners for their great support and presence in the life and mission of the Church and, in particular, in the Salesian way of doing things. In the light of the story of Emmaus, he also spoke of the importance of walking together on a journey of faith, and throughout, his wonderful sense of playful humour emerged, which more than once brought joy to the faithful.

After Mass, there was another photo session with the Rector Major, as parishioners, students, teachers and young people were all eager to have their pictures taken with him. Thus ended the second day of the Rector Major's joyful presence in Australia.

 

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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