From 13-14 March Fr Attard visited Urnieta, a small community with four Salesians. Here he appreciated the conviviality, attention, good atmosphere and said, "I would like to encourage you to maintain this fraternal and serene atmosphere that exists among you. It is a gift, not only at a personal and community level, but especially because it is a witness that reaches all of us in this house."

On 15 and 16 March, Fr Attard travelled to Donostia and here the meeting was an opportunity to appreciate the spirit of communion and fraternity with the Congregation. As stated by Javier Valderrábano, a Salesian of the Community, there is a "connection between the Visit and the theme of the next General Chapter: PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, DEDICATED TO YOUNG PEOPLE. Living our Salesian vocation faithfully and prophetically.“

The Salesians of Donostia mainly run three settings in two different cities: in the district of Intxaurrondo (Donostia) and in the district of Kaputxinos, in Errenteria. These are the María Auxiliadora school, the Gaztetxo (Donostia) and Alaitasuna (Errenteria) youth centres with their respective social projects, and the San Juan Bosco parish in Errenteria, Andre Maria and María Auxiliadora parishes in Intxaurrondo.

Fr Fabio Attard spoke about how to foster a family atmosphere through three key concepts: a climate that communicates welcome, that has people who communicate the spirit of Don Bosco (accompaniment) and that advance proposals and paths of integral growth. His simplicity and closeness have been greatly appreciated by all the people who frequent all the works of this house.

From 16 March, then, the Extraordinary Visitation continued in Azkoitia, where Fr Attard held a meeting with the Salesian community, participated in the Mass on St Joseph's Day and the feast of the AMPA at the Alaibatza Youth Centre. Between interviews and meetings, he had the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary of San Ignacio de Loyola and to participate in a dinner in a gastronomic society typical of the Basque Country. From the Azkoitia Community they say: "His presence has encouraged us to strengthen the Salesian educative and pastoral community of Floreaga and to relaunch its project."

In general, in all places Fr Attard attracted attention for his closeness, his great knowledge of the Congregation and his clarity in explaining important issues or guidelines to follow. His ability to listen comforted those who met him.

Finally, during Holy Week, he is dedicating himself to work on the final report, so that in April he can continue his journey in the different houses in Madrid (Paseo, Casa Don Bosco, La Pagoda), Puertollano, Ciudad Real, Soto del Real, Ciudad de los Muchachos and Villamuriel.

Source: salesianos.es 

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