Hundreds of Salesian students, participants in social projects, school collaborators, the entire community of Cuiabá, people from the inland villages, all welcomed Father Angel in the morning. A colorful dance and cultural performances of the Salesian students and of the Flor Ribeirinha group awaited him, showing the X Successor of Don Bosco the history and culture of the Salesian presence in Mato Grosso.
Mayor Emanuel Pinheiro and his wife Márcia Pinheiro celebrated the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first Salesian missionaries in Cuiabá, together with the faithful of the Catholic Church. The date was commemorated with a Mass of thanksgiving in the Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians in the presence of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Brazil, Fr Angel Fernandez Artíme.
Mr Pinheiro and Mrs Márcia paid tribute to the Rector Major with the commemorative medal of the 300 years, declaring that "I feel honored to be part of another important milestone that summarizes the history of the capital's 300 years and of being able to thank the Salesians for their contribution to the development of Cuiabá."
"With a fruitful work in the field of education and also for the defense of indigenous peoples, they are helping to grow better people, giving more access to social inclusion .... For this reason we could not fail to present this medal to the Rector Major and thank him for all that has already been given to us. Gratitude is what we carry in our hearts for you," said Mr. Pinheiro.
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime gave his thanks for the meeting and said he was very happy for the reception of the people of Curitiba. "I am also grateful for the recognition and tribute received. This demonstrates that our work in favor of education and indigenous peoples has been significant," the Rector Major emphasized.
Governor Mauro Mendes and First Lady, Virginia Mendes, also participated in the celebration, presenting the "Order of Merit of Mato Grosso" to Don Bosco's successor.
