Salesian flags were already waving over the Basilica and Sanctuary dedicated to the Saint from 7.30 in the morning, and as the minutes passed, the presence of young people and members of the Salesian Family became stronger and stronger near Viale Tacna where the church is located.
Before the beginning of the Eucharist there was a moment of meditation and recollection for Salesian Family Groups reflecting on the figure of the Patron Saint. At the end of the work, each group gathered to write a letter addressed to St Rose, in which they expressed their gratitude, their wishes and intentions.
The Holy Mass began at 9 a.m, with Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, Provincial of the Salesians in Peru (PER) as main celebrant, and was concelebrated by about 10 Salesian priests. Before beginning the celebration, the Provincial thanked the assembled faithful for their presence. “It is good to have you here. We all came to make a pilgrimage together to our sister Rose. We entrust ourselves to her as a Salesian Family, and we are preparing to live a youthful experience with devotion," he said with joy.
In another moment Fr Alcas stressed the value of celebrating this feast. "It is a beautiful moment, a sign of unity between young people and members of the Salesian Family."
During the homily, the Superior presented some of the most important features of Saint Rose of Lima. “Rose of Lima knew how to be a parable, a sign of God's love. And today her example encourages us as a Salesian Family to deepen our existence as Peruvians, in our apostolate and in our commitment to the most needy young people. She motivates us." Rose of Lima, who showed great mercy towards her brothers and sisters during her life, felt the need to give herself to others; and that is precisely why the Salesians in Peru named her patroness of their Province.
At the end of the Mass, there was still time to make a symbolic and moving gesture: Fr Alcas went to the "Well of Desires" located on the grounds of the sanctuary and deposited the letters that the members of each group had previously written to St Rose.
