On the morning of Thursday, 14 March 2024, the São Gonçalo Institute welcomed the 10th Successor of Don Bosco with great enthusiasm in an encounter attended not only by the students from the school but also by those from other works of the Salesian Family in the area.

On the stage next to the Rector Major,  were the Superior of the BCG Province, Fr Ricardo Carlos, and the archbishop of Cuiabá, Archbishop Mário Antônio da Silva, flanked by the Principals of the schools participating in the event.

Between songs and dances, the students recalled the arrival of the first Salesians by ship in Cuiabá. In the middle of the show, and in an unscheduled part of the program, the Rector Major asked for a guitar and played for the audience. And the atmosphere became even more festive when the Salesian Cardinal wore the shirt of the local football team, the Cuiabá Esporte Clube, which had been given to him as a tribute by the young people, along with various other gifts.

At the end of the presentations, the Rector Major took his leave of the young people, the Salesians and the school staff present, imparting a blessing with a first-degree relic of the Father and Teacher of Youth. Everyone will remember the joyous morning of camaraderie shared among the different organisations in Cuiabá that share the same Salesian spirit.

Continuing his tour, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime visited Canção Nova – an evangelisation movement through media that is part of the Salesian Family – located in the Capital of Mato Grosso.

On the occasion, the Rector Major stated that he believes that Canção Nova is an inspiration of the Holy Spirit. "The charism of Canção Nova is very special in our Salesian Family because it reaches the people of God, and often the most distant, truly evangelising through communication" he said in an interview with the Canção Nova television channel. "I want to say that for Don Bosco's family you are a great and necessary gift. In these ten years I have spent as Rector Major, Canção Nova has always been present in a very precious way in our Salesian Family. Heartfelt congratulations for all this " he concluded.

In the afternoon, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco reached Saint Dominic Savio Association work in the "Pedra 90" district, a Salesian work committed to the educational and professional development of children and young people, which offers a variety of activities and professional courses for children from 7 to 17 years old. Upon his arrival, the Director of social work, Bro. Rafael Stivanelli, SDB, gave a brief welcome speech, and the Coordinator of activities, Danilza de Souza Pinheiro, expressed words of gratitude, underlining the vital role of the Salesian institution for the community. One of the most touching moments of the visit was the solemn entrance of the statue of Mary Help of Christians, followed by a special performance by the "Siriri" dance group and performances by the "Põe a Tua Mão" choir .

To close the rich program of the day, the São Gonçalo do Porto Parish also offered a special moment of welcome to the Salesian Cardinal. The Rector Major was greeted by the Military Police Band who performed popular songs. After the unveiling ceremony of the plaque commemorating the visit, the Rector Major presided over the solemn Eucharistic concelebration of thanksgiving for the 130 years of Salesian presence in the State of Mato Grosso, accompanied by the BCG Provincial, the Archbishop of Cuiabá, several other bishops from various dioceses in Brazil, and the parish priest of the church, Fr. Idenílson Lemes da Conceição.

In his homily, the Rector Major addressed words of encouragement and support to those present, underlining the essential role that groups play in the community, strengthening the spiritual life of the parish.

And at the end of the Mass he received the title of citizen of Mato Grosso from the President of the Legislative Assembly of Mato Grosso, Eduardo Botelho.

Euclides Brites

Source: BCG Province

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