The Province of St Frnacis de Sales, Dimapur (IND) is a dynamic Province, with 47 houses and 240 confreres.
Despite the physical impossibility of visiting all the presences, accompanied by Fr Nazarius Lakra, the Vice-Provincial, Fr Maravilla visited the houses of formation and some significant presences that recall the history, challenges and successes of the Salesians in their commitment to evangelisation. He was able to see the impact of the Salesians on the culture, spirituality and development of the region.
Salesian presences, often in very difficult situations or contexts, testify to the transforming power of the Salesian charism, revealing how it has not only nurtured spiritual growth, but has also facilitated the exchange and cultural development of indigenous peoples.
Visiting the different communities, the General Councillor for Missions heard the sharing by his confreres on the selfless work and sacrifice of Salesian missionaries, past and present, which highlight the ongoing commitment of the Salesian Congregation in promoting integral development.
Wherever he went, Fr Maravilla urged the Salesians to keep alive Don Bosco's missionary spirit, an essential element of the Salesian charism. "The missionary spirit is expressed in our passion in sharing the Gospel, a passion for Jesus Christ that burns in our hearts that leads us to reach the poor and the marginalised" stressed the General Councillor for the Missions.
"It is a trait that all Salesians are called to live wherever they are, on whatever continent. If we lose this missionary spirit, we will no longer be the Salesians that Don Bosco wanted us to be" he added.
During the "Goodnight" at the end of the visit, Fr Maravilla encouraged the Salesians in IND to be on fire with the love of Christ and to burn with zeal to make him known. And he concluded by quoting the words of St John Paul II contained in the Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Asia, no. 23: "A fire can only be lit by something that is itself on fire!"
On the afternoon of 7 February, Fr Maravilla left for New Delhi.
