by Fr Sebastian Koladiyil, SDB
The excitement was well manifested by the students of Boys’ Town, by the way they received the superior of the Salesians. As the team with the Rector Major drove in around 9.30 a.m., he was received by all those who came to be part of the event. In addition to their presence the scouts of Boys’ Town and the brass band of Bosco Boys displayed their talents. The Rector Major was installed as a Luo elder and ushered in by the boys accompanied by body guards. He was taken to the boarding section where the young people sat around him to listen as children would listen to their father. After a short welcome which included a cultural dance the Rector Major and his Secretary, Fr Horacio López, each planted a tree. As the time given was not much, Mass began immediately with a lot of singing and dancing. The Rector Major was touched by the singing and he repeatedly congratulated the students.
After the Mass and a short visit to the workshops, everyone was invited to the hall for a short cultural programme and some speeches. In his address to the youth he said, “Valdocco is not only in Turin, it is here also”.
Then there was quite an elaborate photo session and later lunch for all. The Rector Major thanked the community for the wonderful way he was received. Later he went to Utume for a rest and for the concluding dinner and celebrations. There he had tea and photo session with the students of Theology. Later he gave them a talk and told them about the need to grow in maturity at this stage of formation.
In his final words after dinner he told the Salesians gathered from various communities, “I go back convinced about the wonderful things God is doing in the province of AFE”. He added, “Looking at you, we are dreaming of a wonderful future for Africa.”
