"We leave behind (and we carry in our hearts) four wonderful days of intense experiences in the Tiruchy region. Today I really enjoyed the meeting we had with several hundred boys and girls, children and adolescents, who are cared for in our Salesian houses, both those of the Salesians and of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. There were 72 children present who reside in our homes especially designed to accommodate those who are born with AIDS. It was wonderful to be with them even for a short time."
The Rector Major celebrated Mass with these children, boys and girls, all aged between 8 and 15, who have come from the streets and been rescued from very serious risk. He also attended a concert held a few days in advance to celebrate the international Day for the rights of the Child (which officially falls on 20 November).
The meeting left its mark, certainly on the Rector Major, who commented: "We, the Salesian Family, the Salesians of Don Bosco and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are born for them, for the humble. This is our charism without any doubt. I felt happy to see our brothers and sisters happy in their 'self-giving'. I felt that these faces and these stories spoke so much to me.
Certainly there will always be pain, loneliness and poverty. However, with our contribution, perhaps we can make a difference.
This is what I'm seeing and experiencing here in India. "
There are numerous photos of the Rector Major in the Provinces of Tiruchy and Hyderabad on ANSFlickr.
