"Thank you for allowing us to enter your houses, this ‘sacred land’, in the hearts of the people and of each community. We tried to do it respectfully, wanting to appreciate the richness of the culture and traditions of each of the regions of this beloved country that are part of ARS. And we also ask you to forgive us for the difficulties generated" said the Regional Councillor.
In the afternoon of the first day, all the Rectors went to the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Almagro to celebrate the Eucharist in preparation for the feast of the Mother and Teacher of St John Bosco and the entire Salesian Family.
The Mass was presided over by the Regional Councillor who, after the homily, invited Fr Fabián Alonso, parish priest of the Basilica, to explain the meaning of the different parts of the imposing church, since several Rectors did not know it.
The following day, taking up the issues and concerns raised by the Rectors and lay directors of Salesian houses in the last joint meeting – in which an in-depth study of spirituality in management had been requested – the Provincial Formation Team invited all those present to study the text of Don Bosco's "Confidential Reminders to Rectors".
Fr Luis Timossi, from the Salesian Centre for Ongoing Formation in America (CSFPA), based in Quito, Ecuador, gave a masterclass on Don Bosco's letter to Fr Michale Rua, his future successor, when in 1863 he sent him to take over the management of the house in Mirabello, the first House outside Turin. In the letter, Don Bosco offers some advice, insights, certainties and concerns about the fledgling Congregation; and the text served as an inspiration for the reflections and programming for all those present, who, moreover, then organised themselves into groups to further explore Don Bosco's original text.
At the end of the meeting, Fr Perera invited everyone to reflect on their own practices, responsibility and challenges in the management of the houses; and he also expressed his deep gratitude for the passion and commitment with which everyone, Salesians and lay people, take on the animation of the works.
Source: Don Bosco Sur
