Valerio Martorana, Councillor for Europe and the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, spoke of the “great joy for all Past Pupils around the world. It was a cause for joy, gratitude but also temporary “bewilderment” because it is the first time that a Successor of Don Bosco has been created a cardinal. We are certain, as Past Pupils, that the Church needs the influence of Don Bosco for its evangelising work throughout the world.”
“The news that the Pope has included our beloved Rector Major among the next group of Cardinals also has spread immediately among Salesian Cooperators around the world” says World Coordinator Antonio Boccia. “To the astonishment of the first moments an immense personal joy and that of the entire Association of Salesian Cooperators was then added. The first thought went to the times when the Popes asked Don Bosco for help on matters concerning the Church. Today Pope Francis asks Fr Ángel for a commitment in the Church of our times. As Salesian Cooperators we will not be lacking in support with our prayer.”
“We are united in joy with the entire Salesian Family and as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians we assure our fraternal and intense prayer, so that Fr Ángel can express the heart of Don Bosco at the heart of the Church, and bring Light to believers, especially to young people”, was instead the immediate reaction of the Superior General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, published on the cgfmanet.org website.
For their part, Maria Carmen Castillon, President of the World Confederation of Past Pupilss (FMA), and Margherita Rossebastiano, President of the Mornese ONLUS Association said: “Congratulations on your appointment as Cardinal! May this new path of your life be rich in blessings, wisdom and strength. We are convinced that in your new role within the Church, you will continue to be a beacon of light, spreading the message of love, compassion and hope to everyone you meet. May the Holy Spirit guide you in your new responsibilities as a Cardinal and may you continue to have a positive impact on the lives of countless people around the world!
And after the messages of congratulations from the Salesian Provincials of Spain – the birthplace of Fr Á.F. Artime – not long in coming were congratulations from Fr Dario Perera, the Superior of the Argentina South (ARS), the Province that the future Cardinal led from 2010 to 2014, before being elected Rector Major. “We all know Fr Ángel's affection for our Province and the closeness he has always had with us,” wrote the current Superior of ARS. His appointment fills us with joy and is a recognition by the Pope of the Congregation and of Fr Ángel personally. We are proud that the one who was the first Provincial of our Province is not only Rector Major, but also a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. This commits us to accompany him not only with our affection, but above all with our prayers. We entrust him to our Mother the Help of Christians.”
The festive atmosphere is also echoed on social networks, especially by young people from Salesian circles, who immediately expressed their joy by changing the images of status and profiles and publishing posts and stories with his face and photos of the most beautiful moments they have experienced together with the Rector Major and future Cardinal.
