The event was opened by Fr Luciano Bellini, Rector of the Salesian house in Macas, who stressed that the celebration was a commitment to education and health in this city, where current situations continue to be a challenge, especially to continue offering the most disadvantaged young people the ability to dream and realise their life project in their own land.

Macas is part of the Salesian founder's missionary dream. Two years after the arrival of the first Sons of Don Bosco in Ecuador, in 1888, the creation of the vicariates of Méndez and Gualaquiza was initiated, which would then be entrusted to Salesians. And they preached and worked the land, introduced new crops and new farming practices, established schools and colleges, opened roads, and more. Thus, on 7 March 1924, the first Salesian House was started in Macas, which thanks to their commitment over time has given rise to countless services: the frist press, the first cinema, theatrical performances, the Sunday oratory, the first energy generator, the first health centres and clinics, accompaniment by itinerant priests, the air ambulance, bridges, cultivation, books, friendship, the celebration of the faith and much more...

During the celebration, Fr Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, recalled the Salesians who had passed through this missionary work, and stressed the contribution of the Salesian presence in the local Province of Morona Santiago, underlining five points:

1. Education, as a fundamental basis for the emergence of a people. Added to this is the contribution of the "Voz del Upano" radio station  which helps to bring education to all corners and prepares students for the outside world. Today, this priority for education is reflected in the "Don Bosco Educational Citadel" project.
2. Human development through the introduction of new methods and products to work the land, the selection of the best seeds, carpentry, ceramics, painting and goldsmithing, fair trade, manual activities for women such as sewing and embroidery...
3. The promotion of intercultural relations, which has helped to build bridges between settlers and the Shuar population, allowing access to rights, job stability and participation in society.
4. The option for the most needy in the most vulnerable sectors, such as: elderly, widows, girl mothers.
5. The proclamation of the Gospel and attention to social and pastoral care, with the spread of devotion to the "Madonna Purissima" of Macas – a path in which the contribution of the laity and the formation of local leaders has always been promoted.

Currently, the presence of the Salesians in Macas is reflected in the more than 2,600 students who are part of the Don Bosco Educational Unit, inserted in a path of education and evangelisation that opens up to confrontation with the global challenges of modernity and that is realised through dialogue between Salesians and lay people, Salesians and Shuar people, Salesians and local government, and above all Salesians and young people.

During the event, which was broadcast live on Facebook, the Sons of Don Bosco received awards for their work and presence in Macas, awarded by the Mayor's Office in the city, the Prefecture of Morona Santiago and the National Assembly of Ecuador.

The event was attended by the Provincial Council of Salesians in Ecuador, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, authorities and teachers from the Salesian Polytechnic University, students, civil, military and ecclesiastical authorities and the media.

Fernanda Vasco

Salesian Communication  Office

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