Upon receiving the title, the Cardinal expressed gratitude and highlighted the Salesian commitment to educating young people, both within the state and across Brazil and the world. He reflected, "Today is a moment of great emotion and honor for me. Over the past 130 years of our presence here, Brazil has shown immense generosity towards us. I believe that even after all this time, we can continue to contribute to shaping society and guiding future generations. This fills me with optimism; it shows that together, we can pave a promising path for our youth."
The Rector Major expressed great joy and gratitude upon receiving the recognition as a citizen of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. "It is truly an immense honor to be here today and to receive this title, something a Salesian like myself could never have imagined. However, I must humbly acknowledge that this honor is not solely mine to claim. My presence here is intended as a gesture of profound gratitude."
The evening before, on Wednesday, March 6, the Rector Major was also bestowed with the citizenship of Araçatuba. It was a deeply emotional occasion for the local Salesian Family, evidenced by the attendance of hundreds of people from Araçatuba and the neighboring region who gathered to participate in the Mass of thanksgiving for the Rector Major's visit.
The commemorative celebration took place in the UniSALESIANO campus church, marking 75 years of Salesian presence in Araçatuba. Among the attendees were the mayor, several councillors, along with various civil and military authorities from Araçatuba and the region. Also present were members of the UniSALESIANO Rectorate, the academic community, and members of society at large.
At the altar, the Cardinal was joined by several bishops, including Rt.Rev. Sérgio Krzywy, Bishop of the diocese of Araçatuba; Rt.Rev. Francisco Carlos da Silva, Bishop of Lins; Rt.Rev. Argemiro Azevedo, Bishop of Assis; and Rt.Rev. Tarcísio Scaramussa, SDB, Bishop of Santos. Additionally, numerous Salesian priests were present to accompany the celebration.
During his homily, the Rector Major expressed his profound gratitude for the warm hospitality and fraternity experienced in Araçatuba. He remarked on the remarkable spirit of God permeating the community, likening it to communities he had encountered in Africa. With heartfelt sincerity, he extended his greetings and appreciation to the gathered assembly. Additionally, he reiterated the Salesian mission of service and assistance, acknowledging the impactful contributions of his fellow brothers to the local community over the years.
The 10th Successor of Don Bosco also imparted a deeply personal message to those in attendance, sharing his daily prayer of surrender: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" He underscored the importance of allowing God to guide and shape each individual's life, emphasizing the transformative power of mutual prayer.
Following this, the Rector Major was honored with the title of Official Guest of the Municipality of Araçatuba, as decreed by Decree 23.261 on March 5, 2024. Mayor Dilador Borges, accompanied by his wife Deomerce Damasceno, presented this historic acknowledgment, acknowledging the Cardinal's presence as emblematic of the Salesians' unwavering commitment to youth education, moral formation, and societal support. The mayor expressed gratitude for the Cardinal's visit, recognizing it as a privilege and a testament to the Salesians' invaluable contributions to shaping the future of the nation through the empowerment of its youth.
Following that, the Rector Major was bestowed with the title of Citizen of Araçatuba. The citation was handed to him by Councillor Jaime José da Silva, who spearheaded the municipal resolution granting him this honor. In his remarks, Councillor Silva underscored the intrinsic connection between faith, education, and societal harmony, stating that faith and religiosity inspire the spirit while knowledge fosters understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence among individuals.
Concluding the ceremony, the Cardinal bestowed his blessing upon the newly installed stained-glass window in the university church and the commemorative plaque dedicated to his visit. Additionally, he distributed small pictures of Mary Help of Christians to those in attendance as a token of gratitude and remembrance.
It's noteworthy that the Salesian Cardinal, presently conducting an Animation Visit to the Province of St. Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori, will once more be granted honorary citizenship, this time in Campo Grande, at the city's Council Chamber on 10th March.
Sources: Campo Grande News, UniSALESIAN Communication Department
