A large number of young people, educators, members of the Salesian Family, parents and authorities gathered to commemorate the arrival of the Salesians in the so-called Incomparable City. The celebration was presided over by Cardinal Pedro Barreto SJ, Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo, and concelebrated by several Salesians from different houses in Peru. Among others present were Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, Provincial, Fr Humberto Chávez, Vice-Provincial, the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Uriel Jáuregui, and the rector of the Salesian community, Fr Julio Berroa. They were joined by the rectors and Salesians of the works in Pucallpa, Callao, Piura, Magdalena del Mar, Cusco and Arequipa.
Just a few minutes before the beginning of the Eucharist, Cardinal Barreto expressed his joy and gratitude for the pastoral work that the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have carried out in these 100 years of presence among the most needy young people.
Then, during the homily, he emphasised the humility and model of holiness of Saint Rose of Lima, patron saint of the Salesian Province of Peru (PER), whose anniversary was traditionally celebrated on 30 August: "She was a great worker and above all a woman of great spirituality, with an unconditional faith that moved mountains. She always placed Jesus at the centre of her heart. ” The Cardinal also shared a brief description that Pope Francis had made of her some time ago: "She was a lay woman, dedicated to prayer and a friend of the Lord from an early age. She loved the poor, the suffering. She grew up like a lily in the thorns. ” Finally, he invited the congregations to practise holiness in daily life, and to live the faith with joy: "Holiness is not exclusive to some people. We are all called by God to holiness. We live in the constant presence of God.”
In another moment of the ceremony, the Provincial thanked Cardinal Barreto for his presence and his accompaniment as pastor of the Church. He also expressed his closeness to the young people of the various Salesian schools in Peru: "Dear young people, we Salesians and educators, we are here, we are here to continue together, with the heart of Don Bosco, to educate the youth and all those who approach this Salesian house. The Rector Major has announced a new Strenna: "The dream that makes you dream". A heart that transforms ‘wolves’ into ‘lambs’. And here are the lambs, the boys who are graduating this year, who are lucky enough to enjoy this centenary."
"Long live Don Bosco!" was the answer loudly exclaimed by those present.
Since 1923, the year of its foundation, the Santa Rosa Institute, known at the time as "Santa Rosa Catholic Institute", has passed through several rented premises, given the constant need to look for larger spaces due to the growth of the student body. The premises where it is currently located and where today it welcomes more than 1,200 students of all educational levels were opened only in 1935, twelve years after the start of classes.
Settled in the immense area of Yaurispata, now El Tambo district, the Salesians consolidated their educational work as one of the most important in the city.
From 1963-2000, Salesian land was divided by Avenida Huancavelica, which gave rise to a new project on the other side of the road: the "Ciudad de los Niños", later transformed into a Youth Centre and later into a technical education centre.
The shrine was opened on the 50th anniversary of the institute (1973), and the Salesian Museum in Huancayo began to be organised, with the encouragement of Fr Vicente Rasetto. In addition, since 1992, a second Salesian religious community has been established in Huancayo, under the patronage of St Joseph Artigiano.
