During the Mass, Bishop Colombo introduced the members of the new community: Fr Marcos Aguirre, Fr Adrián González and Salesian Brother Gabriel Osorio, who will offer their pastoral service in the parish.
The Mass of welcome to the Salesians was concelebrated by the local parish priest, Fr Miguel Paredes and Fr Gabriel Romero SDB, Provincial of Northern Argentina (ARN). The Salesian Provincial Economer, Brother Cesar Arribillaga, SDB, was also present and many men and women religious, seminarians and lay members of the parish community.
in his homily, Bishop Colombo said: “What is taking shape now is not a sudden whim, but the fruit of several years’ discernment. My predecessor, Bishop Rodríguez, wanted a Salesian presence in the diocese but there were several circumstances that made it impossible. When I arrived in the diocese they were resuming the missions of the young Salesians of Córdoba and many of the faithful asked me: “when will the Salesians come to La Rioja?'"
He went on: "After its Provincial Chapter the Salesian community gave its approval, a yes that was the fruit of prayer and reflection. Then they asked: 'Who will go to La Rioja?' Many Salesians volunteered and three were chosen."
Bishop Colombo also thanked the Parish Priest Fr Paredes for his pastoral service. Fr Paredes was happy at the arrival of the pastoral care of the Salesians. "We give thanks to God for this beginning of the mission of the Salesians in La Rioja," he said.
After the Eucharist, the Salesian Provincial said: "We have come here to learn, to participate in projects already underway in the parish. We are coming to bring the Salesian charism to all the faithful, especially poor and abandoned young people. We thank the community that welcomes us today. We have had this dream for a long time and now it is becoming a reality."
