The Rector Major began his official visit to Spain in Madrid and will end it in Barcelona on 13 May. This is a visit of animation that will enable him to get to know the various Salesian centres in the country and to meet the Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, educators, youth, representatives of the Church, civil authorities and business people.
In a press conference yesterday 28 April, he spoke to reporters of the "good health" of the Salesian Congregation, especially in places like Africa, a continent that has been defined as "the great giant of the Church." He reaffirmed that our concern is for young people, but also mentioned the refugee crisis, educational policies and religious persecution, among many other topics.
Yesterday also the Salesian Family welcomed the Rector Major with open arms in the Province of St James the Greater (SSM). The meeting was held at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Madrid. "It is not a question of doing what we have always done, but of being able to respond to current real problems," he said in relation to the work of the Salesian Family with and for young people all over the world. He made particular reference to some the latest activities undertaken: caring for Ebola orphans, the social emancipation of girls who have been or are being sexually exploited, providing homes for street children, etc.
Towards the end of the meeting members of the Salesian Family addressed some questions to the Rector Major. Fr Á.F. Artime made two specific requests: open the doors of the Salesian houses for refugees, and pray that if it is God's will Mamma Margaret be declared blessed.
The meeting ended with a motto to meet the challenges of the present time - “No complaining!” - and a reminder of the educational and evangelizing mission of the Salesian Family: "the day that we were not among the youth, we should start to worry."
Further information can be found on the blog https://visitarectormayor.wordpress.com and fore more photos visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/140626487@N08/sets/
