austraLasia #3274
EAO Confrere at the SYM 2013 of
Italy
VIGLIANO
(ITALY) 26 August, 2013- I am
here in Vigliano Biellese, North Italy, helping in the summer
festive oratory organized by the Salesian school community
located about 45 minutes by car from Turin. I am with other
theologians of Ratisbonne doing our summer apostolate, which
is now coming to a close.
I had been fortunate to participate in the Salesian Youth
Movement Encounter (MGS) 2013, even if it was just for two
days. On the 14th in Valdocco, I was with hundreds of young
people from the different regions of Italy gathered to
celebrate and share in the reflections of the WYD that was
held in Rio. Seeing their enthusiastic participation in the
different activities is an encouragement for me to remain
faithful and flourish in the Salesian vocation that God has
called me. This is the field of Salesian apostolate and
invites me to prepare myself well, asking God to make me
strong and faithful.
The 15th was the Solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption. This was
celebrated in my community with festive activities already
planned with the youth of the oratory.
The following day, Don Bosco's 198th birthday, I joined again
the MGS 2013, this time in Becchi -Castelnuovo Don Bosco. The
Rector Major was present together with about 1200 youth,
Salesians and other members of the Salesian Family. Here, Fr.
Pascual Chavez opened the third year of preparation for the
Bicentinnial celebrations with his reflections on the Salesian
Spirituality. It was an indescribable experience! I was
celebrating the birthday of Don Bosco in the place which
before, I only used to hear and read in books. I was happy to
celebrate it with all those present. I am proud to be part of
such a blessed family, the Salesian family of Don Bosco. May
we also increase in number and quality in Indonesia, my
country, which celebrates its Independence day, the day after
Don Bosco's birthday.