After his arrival at Shannon airport, on the evening of 12 February, and moments of fraternal sharing at the Salesian Community in Pallaskenry, Fr Á.F. Artime began the following day with the Junior students in the Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians in a context of prayer, reflection, sharing of music and joy. The celebrations continued with Senior students, after which he met with the teachers of the Salesian Secondary School and from the Agricultural College. The Rector Major expressed words of appreciation and encouragment for the teacher's work for and with young people.
After leaving the community of Pallaskenry between two rows of students waving and cheering from both sides of the road, the X Successor of Don Bosco reached the center of Milford, where he met with the Council of the Province and the community.
On Thursday, the Rector Major began with Community prayer and later presided at the Eucharist for Salesians and students from the nearby Primary school. It was a festive celebration, after which Fr Á.F. Artime met with some members of the parish council and leaders of the Salesian school.
The Rector Major then reached the "Killeshin Hotel" in Portlaoise, where he met with Salesians of the Irish Province. "It was an occasion to share a special moment, where we not only celebrated 100 years of Salesian presence in Ireland, but also a number of anniversaries of several confreres in a climate of celebration and sharing," said the Salesians present.
Finally, the Rector Major was accompanied to Maynooth, a town about 20 km from Dublin, where, in the middle of the University, the Salesians have their house and community. Fr Artime met numerous young adults and participated in a festive evening, which began with prayer and a brief presentation of the story of Don Bosco, and continued with a Salesian-style celebration with food, singing, dancing and sharing.
Finally, the evening ended with the "good night" offered by the Rector Major.
