In his answers, Cardinal Ángel passionately spoke about the significance of aligning one’s life with God’s will. He reminded the young delegates that life is inherently challenging, but with God’s presence, these challenges can be met with joy and resilience. He urged the participants not to leave the synod without asking themselves the vital question: “God, what is Your dream for me?” By surrendering control to God, he assured them, they would be led to experiences and places beyond their imagination. Drawing from his own life, Cardinal Ángel shared how, by allowing God to guide him, he had unexpectedly become the provincial of Spain and Argentina, was elected Rector Major, and ultimately appointed a Cardinal by Pope Francis. These life-changing moments, he reflected, were only possible because he trusted in God’s plan.
Cardinal Ángel also imparted an essential piece of advice to the young people: “You cannot give what you do not have.” He stressed the necessity of centering their lives in Christ so that they could truly offer Him to the young people they serve. Unlike other social service agencies, Salesian works should lead to profound life experiences that draw young people closer to Christ. He strongly cautioned that any Salesian work causing burnout should be reconsidered or even closed. The heart of Salesian ministry, he affirmed, is to offer life-giving encounters that nourish both the servers and the served.
Quoting St. John Paul II, Cardinal Ángel urged the delegates to embrace courage and trust in God, even in moments of fear. He acknowledged that fear is a natural part of life, but it is also an opportunity to grow and deepen one’s trust in God. When asked about his greatest fear for the Salesian congregation, Cardinal Ángel candidly expressed that he would be most concerned if the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) ever strayed from the charismatic identity that St. John Bosco entrusted to them. A consecrated Salesian, he insisted, should be able to affirm daily that their life is wholly dedicated to the young. Even in old age, when physical participation in the mission might wane, their hearts should remain overflowing with love for the youth.
In his final words, Cardinal Ángel reminded the young delegates of the immense privilege they hold in being part of this historic Synod. Out of the 2 million young people involved in Salesian works worldwide, they were chosen to represent them at this significant gathering. He encouraged them to fully appreciate this honour and to live lives of integrity, where their faith is as visible in their social life as it is in the church.
As the session drew to a close, Cardinal Ángel shared a poignant announcement: he would officially step down as Rector Major at the end of the Eucharistic celebration on August 16. Reflecting on his ten and a half years in the role, during which he visited 120 countries, Cardinal Ángel expressed his deep gratitude for witnessing daily miracles in every place he visited. With the same trust in God that he carried into his role as Rector Major, he concluded by affirming his readiness to embrace the next stage of God’s dream for his life.
