"I am here on behalf of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, to be with you and help you in the process of evaluating the Province" said Fr Rolandi. "It is the visit that is extraordinary and not the visitor. My main task is to listen to each confrere, meet with the communities, the various house groups, the commissions, the Provincial and his council and gather up-to-date information on the progress made by the Province in recent years. And I intend to do all this following the Guidelines given by our Rector Major at the end of GC28. I would be happy" he continued "if all communities are prepared for this. The aim of this Extraordinary Visitation, therefore, is firstly, to recall the GC28 document; secondly, to intensify the journey of the community in the Church and strengthen the growth of Salesian identity, that is, our presence among young people, both virtual and physical, and the sharing of our mission with the laity. It is my first visit to Goa, but not my first interaction with the people and culture, since I have learned a lot by living and working with the Goan community in Nairobi for many years. And I have to say that I feel at home here, thanks to the warm hospitality and the welcome you have given me, "added Fr Rolandi.
Fr Rolandi then read out the Guidelines and gave a brief explanation of them. He then shared his experiences as a missionary and the challenges faced by missionaries in the world. Sharing his vocational history, he said the family spirit experienced at Don Bosco College had a great influence on him and inspired him to join the Salesians.
In welcoming Fr Rolandi, Fr Telles expressed his joy, and that of the entire Province, in sharing these moments. "We are really happy to have someone who has lived in the land of our Father and Founder, St John Bosco, among us" he said. "We are convinced that he brings the spirit and charism of Don Bosco with him."
For the occasion, Fr Ian Figueiredo, former INP Provincial and Rector of the Prenovitiate in Goa, was also present, and offered Fr Rolandi the traditional stole and a bouquet of flowers.
