One hundred years have passed by continually renewing and updating the educational proposal of the Salesian charism, with difficult moments, but also of great success. All this responds to the great educational, pedagogical and dreamer heart of Father Luigi Natale Strazzieri, SDB, a distinguished educator. A century has passed since his initiative, during which the Salesians and many lay collaborators have made possible the formation of Ecuadorian youth with professionalism and with a Salesian heart, because "education is a thing of the heart".
“As a provincial community we join Editorial Don Bosco which, despite the pandemic, continues to work, dream and remember these hundred years of active and creative presence as a Salesian work at the service of society,” wrote Fr Francisco Sánchez Carrión, Provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, in a letter. “Our thanks go to his staff, to his Directors and to those who with an enterprising spirit have taken on the vocation of educator-pastors in the context of the 'good press' and pastoral publications that give reasons for our being, following the example of our founder, who sensed the value of this school for the masses where culture is created, models of life shared, the faith of the people is defended and supported, undertaking original apostolic initiatives that are offered and respond to educational and evangelizing needs, especially of young people and of their families.”
On the publisher's anniversary, 19 March, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Provincial continues his reflection by recalling the apostolic letter of Pope Francis on the figure of St. Joseph, entitled Patris corde, (With the heart of a father). For this reason Fr Sánchez Carrión invites his confreres not to lose "the ability to dream", the one that Saint Joseph had, the one that allows us to open up to tomorrow "with confidence", despite the difficulties that may arise.
The Provincial continues: "Let us dream together, we are children of a dreamer, it is a wealth inherited from our father Don Bosco that was also proposed by the Holy Father at the 28th General Chapter. “Dream of open, fruitful and evangelising houses capable of allowing the Lord to show so many young people his unconditional love and also allowing you to enjoy the beauty to which you have been called. Dream... not only for yourself and for the good of the Congregation, but for all young people deprived of the strength, light and comfort of friendship with Jesus Christ, deprived of a community of faith to sustain them, of a horizon of meaning and of life. (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 49). Dream… And get others to dream!” (Message from Pope Francis to the participants in the General Chapter of the Salesians, 4 March 2020).
Finally, the Provincial concludes: “Together with Don Bosco Editorial, which rejoices for its 100 years of existence, let us open our minds and hearts to continue dreaming of the future of our Ecuadorian society, where everyone has the same opportunity to be formed in human and evangelical values, guarantee of a dignified life and education for all, inclusive and avant-garde. Saint Joseph, model of a father, pray for us.”
