What impressions of the Congregation and the Salesian Family do you have?
I would say, without triumphant tones, that God continues to love the charism of Don Bosco and our Salesian Family for the good of the young. By visiting the 62 nations I have reached so far, I have been able to admire the daily good that is being done, despite our limits. But the Lord continues to do so much good thanks to the Salesian Family and to the many young people who give so much of themselves.
How do you see the path of the Congregation in the world?
I would define the path of the Congregation and the Salesian Family as a path of great serenity, in which we continue to ask ourselves what we must do in order to continue to respond with fidelity, but also with great serenity. And I do not mean comfort; I do not mean to remain steadily in a comfort zone; on the contrary, we continue to animate, step by step, visit after visit, to boldly respond to this call to the fidelity that the Lord continues to do for us.
What are today's challenges for educators and pastors of the Salesian heart?
I think a great challenge is how, through education, our boys and girls may truly become men and women prepared for life, and as profound believers. This combination of "good Christians and honest citizens" includes a look at today's women and men, a look at human rights, social justice, the way we are educated today, and how our young people do not stay in their safe comfort zones, but possess the very consciousness that life has a profound meaning when it is given to others.
What to suggest to young Salesians in Mexico?
The Lord needs you, dear young people; Don Bosco needs you; the young people who come after you need you. I believe it deeply. I am convinced that if there is something that keeps young people together in the most diverse contexts, and is something typical of youthful hearts, it is the great capacity to be generous and to give of themselves for a cause that they believe in.
Source: Mexican Salesian Bulletin and video.
