The day of celebration began with a Eucharist of thanksgiving presided over by Bishop Eugenio Arellano, bishop emeritus of Esmeraldas, who in the homily highlighted the tireless work of the Salesians in accompanying young people in street situations and in offering them opportunities for growth.

Subsequently, a solemn session followed in which Fr Marcelo Farfán, Superior of the Salesians' Sacred Heart of Jesus Province in Ecuador (ECU), gave a touching speech on the origins and results of the "Chicos de la Calle" project during these two decades. In his speech he recalled the initial sufferings of the Salesians, who left in exile for Esmeraldas, as well as the presence of Don Bosco's casket in this canton in 2010, which helped to "form a nest where hundreds of birds now rest".

In the same way, he also thanked the local Church, the civil authorities, national and foreign benefactors, but above all the educators who are present every day with the boys and girls who need them. Finally, he invited them not to remain with their gaze lost in the past, but to renew Don Bosco's dream in San Lorenzo by projecting themselves into the future.

The anniversary celebration was attended by the Salesians from the St Philip Neri community, Esmeraldas, teachers from the "Chicos de la Calle" project in the North Coast area, the minors accepted into the program for street children, several parents and local authorities.

The celebration ended with a fraternal agape in which the community shared moments of joy and communion, reaffirming its commitment to continue working for the most vulnerable young people in San Lorenzo.

Afterwards, Fr Farfán met with the educative and pastoral community in San Lorenzo, which he invited to continue working together to achieve the desired objectives; and the meeting ended with the blessing of the new infrastructure that will serve as formation workshops for the young people in the Salesian project.

The Salesian Project for street children in the ECU Province has transformed the lives of hundreds of children and young people, providing them with education, comprehensive formation and opportunities for reintegration into society. The tireless work of many Salesians and lay people engaged in this mission continues to be a beacon of hope for the entire city community.

"Like Don Bosco, we continue to dream," conclude the Salesians in Esmeraldas.

Fr Robert García, SDB
Rector of the St Philip Neri community

Source: Salesians ECU

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