The Salesian Family in this country is made up of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Cooperators, the Association of Mary Help of Christians, the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, the Past Pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and the Institute of the Volunteers of Don Bosco. Highlights include the Past Pupils association, very much committed in a country that has thousands of them, and the Association of Mary Help of Christians. All the Groups feel united by a deep communion, by Salesian spirituality and by their commitment to the country's young people.

During the visit, Fr Joan Lluís and Bro Dominic were able to meet with representatives of each of the Groups in Dili, Los Palos, Baucau, and the members of the Salesian Family Advisory Council together with many other members of the Dili area. They also visited the FMA communities in Laga and Dili, the María Regina Gutierres School promoted by a past pupil and the Instituto Superior CRISTAL, a university institution promoted by the Cristal Foundation, created by the Past Pupils and that accepts about 5,000 students in different pedagogical and technical specialties.

These were days of intense experience of the Salesian Family on the part of all. This is how Fr Joan Lluís expressed himself when the visit was coming to an end: "The reception has been extraordinary. Arriving in Salesian Timor has been like entering and feeling at home at all times. Communication has made the family values transparent at all times. We have been able to connect with valuable educational realities that speak of the serious commitment with which presences are encouraged. We have seen the impetus of the Salesian Cooperators; the strength and work of the Past Pupils from Salesian Schools who speak of their potential and their ability to influence the social and ecclesial dynamics of the country; the convening capacity of the Association of Mary Help of Christians focused on devotion to Mary, worship of the Eucharist and charity towards the most needy; the simple but vibrant reality of the Secular Institute of the Volunteers of Don Bosco, and the joy of the young people who are preparing to make their profession in the Salesian Congregation as well as the dedication to the study and apostolate of the post-novices who are formed as educators of young people."

"And along with all this, the importance of walking together as a Family and taking a renewed awareness of the gift of Don Bosco's charism for the Church and society has been highlighted. It is about walking together, according to the characteristics of each of the Groups, helping each other to live Salesian spirituality, and knowing how to approach the different mission centres from a common vision to respond to the new challenges that arise in the field of education and evangelsation of young people. It is not about ‘doing everything’, but about ‘doing everything together’. Energy comes to us from God with the charism that he gave rise to in the heart of Don Bosco. Capabilities are developed with formation and shared mission. It is a case of ‘reflecting together', ‘praying together’, ‘projecting together’, ‘working together’. Unity brings strength" Fr Playà said.

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