On the afternoon of Thursday, March 7th, the Rector Major visited the Salesian post-novitiate of 'São Vicente', which is celebrating its 80th anniversary of canonical erection this year. Cardinal Fernández Artime led a Eucharist with the community, followed by the blessing of a monument honoring deceased Salesians. He engaged in a meaningful dialogue with young people in formation and other members of the Salesian community of the BCG Province. The evening concluded with a fraternal agape and high-level artistic performances, culminating in the Rector Major's heartfelt 'goodnight' message.
On Friday, March 8th, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime visited São José, in the Central Region of Campo Grande, and toured the Mother Church, built by the Salesians almost a century ago. Although currently overseen by a diocesan priest as parish priest, the church bears the Salesian coat of arms and houses images of Our Lady Help of Christians and St. John Bosco, along with the remains of Fr. Giovanni Crippa, SDB, the founder of the original 'little chapel'. During the visit, Fr. Paulo Roberto de Oliveira, the church's current parish priest, discussed the possibility of initiating the beatification and canonization process for Fr. Crippa. The Rector Major praised the initiative, expressing appreciation for the presence of Salesian holiness in the community.
Arriving in the city of Campo Grande on the same morning, the Rector Major then gave a press conference lasting almost 90 minutes to the press and staff of the BCG Province's administrative headquarters.
During his address, the Rector Major reflected on Don Bosco's profound trust in Mary Help of Christians and commended the Salesians for their 130 years of dedicated service in the Campo Grande Province. He also addressed global issues and the challenges faced by Salesians worldwide. Emphasizing the relevance of Don Bosco's Preventive System in the digital age, he underscored the importance of educating youth in this rapidly evolving environment.
In response to journalists' inquiries, the Rector Major underscored the significance of the indigenous issue, a central focus of Salesian missionary activities. He expressed satisfaction with the care provided to indigenous populations in the Salesian Mission in Mato Grosso and Paraguay. Citing demographic growth as evidence, he noted that these communities have experienced significant population increases under Salesian guidance, contrasting with their previous decline before the Salesians' involvement.
In the early afternoon, at the Inspectorate Centre, Cardinal Fernández Artime conducted a simple yet meaningful ceremony to bless a painting commemorating the 130th anniversary of the Salesian Mission in this region of Brazil. The artwork, crafted by artist Odenir Seba, symbolized the longstanding dedication of the Salesians in the area. The ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Bishops Mgr. Dimas Lara, Metropolitan Archbishop of Campo Grande; Salesian Bishops Mgr. Vitório Pavanello, Archbishop Emeritus of Campo Grande; Mgr. Eduardo Pinheiro, Bishop of Jaboticabal; and Msgr. Edmílson Tadeu Canavarros, Auxiliary Bishop of Manaus. Also present were the BCG Inspector, Fr. Ricardo Carlos, accompanied by members of his Provincial Council, as well as other distinguished Salesians from various Provinces in Brazil.
Later in the day, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco visited the Salesian community 'Paul VI' to extend his fraternal greetings to the elderly and sick Salesians residing there. The meeting was characterized by heartfelt interactions, as Cardinal Fernández Artime engaged in conversations with Salesian missionaries Fr. Bartolomeo Giaccaria, Fr. Sebastião Paniago Vilela, and Luiz Silva Leal, who had dedicated significant time to serving indigenous communities.
Euclides Fernandes Brites
Source: BCG Province
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/20506#sigProId32fa9742a6
