In the homily during this simple and intimate celebration, Fr Maravilla stressed that "being pioneers is a great honour, but it is an even greater responsibility. Although the pioneers do not have the weight of the pastoral practices of past years, they still have the challenge of being creatively faithful to the charism of Don Bosco to make it relevant for the Greek context, where Catholics are a small minority in a predominantly Orthodox country. " "Today we plant a small seed in new soil," he added, "and we ask for the intercession of St Andrew the Apostle, who is so close to the heart of Greek Christians, so that this mustard seed can take root in Greek soil and bear abundant fruit." At the end of the Eucharist, the three entrusted the new presence in Greece to Mary Help of Christians.
Explaining the reason for this new presence, Fr Maravilla stressed that it is a response to the invitation of Bishop Petros Stefanou, Bishop of Syros, Santorini and Crete. In 2023 the Rector Major and his Council accepted the request for pastoral care of the parish of Pagos, in Syros, starting from next September 2025, a reality in which there are structures that make it possible to organise youth activities. Then there is also the challenge of pastoral care for young tourists who visit the islands, especially during the summer. And after a period of necessary insertion, the possibility will also be explored for the Salesian community to take on responsibility for Youth and Vocational Ministry in the three dioceses of Syros, Santorini and Crete, which are united under Bishop Stefanou.
Asked about the importance of this new presence, Fr Maravilla said that "it is the most recent presence in Europe after so many years. This fact shows that in Europe there is still the possibility of starting something new that can revitalise the Salesian charism. It is an important sign not only for the Salesians in Europe, but also for the entire Congregation."
