The Rector of the local Salesian presence, Fr Slawomir Bronakowski, welcomed the Regional Councillor together with the other members of the community, including Fr Klemens Deja, Fr Miguel Paes da Silva and Br Laurí Dornelles.

During the visit, Fr Romero met with the Salesian community and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians at their Madre Marta Cerutti institute; then he visited the Salesian Social Work in the city and the Dom Bosco youth centre, where he spoke with the children and educators; finally, he celebrated Mass in the Santo Antônio parish and attended a meeting of the Administrative Pastoral Council.

The visit then continued to the municipality of Araguaiana, where the Visitor, accompanied by Fr Bronakowski and Fr Deja, went to the site of the former Salesian Institute, now in ruins, and the cemetery of Salesian martyrs, Fr João Fuchs and Pedro Sacilotti. A significant moment was the visit to Mount Corcovado in Barra do Garças, where Christ the Redeemer and the image of Our Lady of Araguaia are located, both designed by Salesian missionary Fr Tommaso Ghirardelli. The panoramic view over the cities of Barra do Garças, Pontal do Araguaia and Aragarças was one of the most exciting moments of the visit.

At the end of this stage, Fr Romero left some indications for the continuity of the Salesian community's pastoral work. "The community feels more strengthened by this visit," said Fr Bronakowski at the end of the two days, evaluating the visit positively and stressing its nature, rich in activity and with a strong impact.

After Barra do Garças, the Extraordinary Visitation continued in Nova Xavantina, a mission that, as the name already indicates, is placed at the integral service of the local indigenous community of the Xavante. Accompanied by Fr Bronakowski, the Regional Councillor for America South Cone was first received by the Rector, Fr Francisco de Lima Ribeiro, and then he met the other members of the local Salesian community, Fr Aquilino Tseré ub 'õ Tsirui 'à, himself a Xavante, and Br Marquez Jonni Ortega Padilha, as well as the work setting and the initiatives underway in the region.

The Councillor also visited the picturesque town of Lagoa Encantada and concelebrated Mass in the village of São Pedro, located in the Terra Indígena Parabubure. The Mass, presided over by Fr Tseré ub 'õ Tsirui 'à, was celebrated in the Xavante language as a sign of respect for the local culture and during the celebration, Fr Romero interacted with the children and teenagers of the village, who offered him handicrafts typical of the area.

After the Mass, the Visitor had lunch with the Salesian community in Nova Xavantina, strengthening ties and exchanging ideas on pastoral and social work in the region. He then visited the bridge over the Rio das Mortes river, a place of historical importance, and participated in the Diocesan Assembly together with the Bishop of Barra do Garças, Bishop Paulo Renato. Participation in the Assembly reaffirmed the commitment of the local Church to the joint work between ecclesiastical authorities and local communities.

Fr Gabriel Romero's Extraordinary Visitation continues this week with the visit to the Salesian presence in Coxipó da Ponte.

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