On 1 May Fr Á.F. Artime participated in the launch of the Centenary celebrations of the Salesian House in La Coruña. For the occasion the Church of Mary Help of Christians was full of faithful of the Salesian Family who had come for the Eucharistic celebration.
Addressing those present the Rector Major pointed out that the Salesian Family "must witness what it is. We must think about how to create an honest social fabric, we must encourage dialogue and respect." "We have not only to provide education, but to offer a complete formation," he said.
His visit took him to Galicia and the stop at Ourense had a very special significance. Fr Angel Fernandez Artime had been Provincial of that area - at that time part of the Province of León - before being appointed Provincial in Southern Argentina, and he had also been Rector in that community. He said that he remembered the names of 95% of the people he met.
He stressed the importance of "the young people feeling loved and respected." The added value that the Salesians can offer is the care of the people,” he said and he asked them to "form a beautiful educational community where we transmit life".
In front of about 400 people, the Rector Major said that the Salesian Family has to work to pass on "great values, such as tolerance, dialogue, respect, because through our action we are creating another type of society." "I am convinced of the power of education," he stressed, but we must "create educational communities convinced of their shared mission, this is the future."
He concluded, finally, thanking all the teachers and other personnel in schools and youth centres ... and stressed that the Salesian charism is the patrimony of all: "Every day there are educational miracles."
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/
