On the opening day there were the greetings of Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco. In the morning there were greetings and messages from other groups of the Salesian Family.
In her greeting, Mother Reungoat underlined how the word that consents to achieve excellent results is "together". For this reason, the Salesian Cooperator is "co-responsible in living the Da mihi animas in serene communion with those who have the cause of the young in their hearts." The Congress, the religious continued, "is a source of joy, a seed that must bear fruit in the environments in which we live."
The Rector Major, taking a break from the Synod of Youth in which he is participating, instead invited everyone "to be courageous in not being afraid of anything, to not silence any of the voices, because I am convinced that such a great effort, even worldwide, that you do as Salesian Cooperators, is to give the best you can. I am convinced that these moments are never a waste of time."
"The world needs a Salesian Family," the Rector Major said, "and an association of Salesian Cooperators that says a word and defends the world's boys and girls always and everywhere: we are born for them, you were born for young people, not to create a movement that thinks of guaranteeing life for itself: this is what I always say to all Salesians in the world."
And he concluded by indicating three fundamental columns, or pillars: "At the center: Jesus, as a guarantee of our Christian and Salesian vocation; to be always for children and young people; and to guarantee the defense of those who have no defense. May this be a true mission of the Salesian Family."
In the afternoon there was also space for the presentation of reports on the condition of the Salesian Cooperators in the 11 regions in which the association is articulated worldwide.
The work of the 5th World Congress will continue until Sunday, October 28th.
