Lahore, Pakistan - September 2023 - From 1 to 3 September, Salesian Brother Jean Paul Muller, Economer General of the Salesian Congregation, visited the Salesian presences in Pakistan. They were intense days, in which Bro. Jean Paul Muller made the closeness of the Congregation and the vitality of Don Bosco's charism felt. In a very family-like atmosphere, in which he also shared various moments in the lives of the numerous young boarders, he had meetings with the Salesian community, with the staff of teachers and trainers, with the boys and girls of the school, and with the students of the Technical Centre. The Economer General visited the mechanics, welding, carpentry and computer workshops, the electricians' courses, and the refrigeration techniques workshop. In addition, he presented diplomas to 60 girls and boys who have recently completed the beauticians' and barbers' courses. Bro. Muller also had a long meeting with the Salesian Family groups present in Lahore: Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils and the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA). Another very intense moment was the visit to the grave of former student Akash Bashir, who in 2015 sacrificed his life to foil a suicide bomb attack in St John's parish in Youhanabad, on the outskirts of Lahore. The visit to the grave was followed by a very intimate and touching moment with Akash's family. Bro. Muller's advice and requests will prove very valuable in better serving the thousands of young people who daily attend the Salesian home in Lahore.

Piero Ramello, SDB