Arriving at the Salesian community on Monday 4 November, the Regional Councillor was warmly received by the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who work in the mission.
Fr Romero was warmly welcomed in the religious community by the Rector, Fr Douglas Chrystiano Silva Souza, together with the other Salesians, including Fr Alfred Heidler, Fr Beatus Volkmar Tola, Salesian Brother Tarley da Guia Nunes da Mata, and practical trainee Gabriel Coelho da Silva; and during the visit the Councillor had individual talks with his confreres to learn more about the missionary situation of the Salesians working in close contact with the Xavante people.
As the village of São Marcos is located within walking distance of the Salesian house, Fr Romero was able to participate in various activities with the Xavante people. He took part in the ‘Rosario Luminoso’, accompanying the statue of Mary Help of Christians carried in procession by the youth and adults of the community; and the prayer ended in the chapel of the Salesian house where the councillor had the opportunity to converse with the indigenous people.
During the day, Fr Romero also visited the village of Our Lady of Fatima; here too, the Visitor had the opportunity to share in praying the Rosary and the procession with the statue of Mary Help of Christians; then, in this community, he had the opportunity to converse with the Xavante children and the lay teachers at the local school.
At each meeting with the Xavante, a touching scene was repeated: long lines of adults, young people and children formed to receive the blessing with the laying on of hands by Fr Romero: a profound sign of devotion, respect and admiration of the Xavante towards the Salesians.
