"We want to accompany and celebrate the historical memory of a past that was really glorious, because we want the present and the future to continue to be really special for the Chilean youth” said the Rector Major on his arrival in the country.
Then, in the city cathedral, with Bishop Bernardo Bastres Florence, SDB, of Magallanes; Fr Alberto Lorenzelli, Provincial of the Salesians in Chile; and Sr. Ximena Oyarzo, Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and many authorities from the region, students and members of the Salesian Family, he laid a wreath and paid homage at the tomb of Monsignor Fagnano.
On the second day of his visit, the Rector Major went to Dawson Island and later attended a concert - a cantata - prepared by about 200 children and young people in tribute to the work of this illustrious and popular Salesian prelate.
On the final day, Fr Á.F. Artime presided at the Eucharist in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, along with the community and the Salesian Family in the region. "We're not talking about Monsignor Fagnano and other great people just to honour them. We speak about their lives because they challenge each one of us" he said to all present, and finally added: "Now it's our turn."
Then he met with the various groups of the Salesian Family of Patagonia, both Chilean and Argentine, and highlighted that in Magallanes the Salesians have a great responsibility towards young people. "We have more force when we are able to bear witness to communion" he said. He then visited the Maggiorino Borgatello Salesian Museum which traces a hundred years of history of Magallanes and of Salesian presence in the region.
In his farewell greeting the Rector Major said: "Dear young people, we believe in you! We invite you to be dreamers and have big dreams in life! Be leaders of your life. Be really brave citizens and men and women of faith."
