By Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB

Makati City, Philippines, 5 March 2016 - “Siamo nati per i giovani più bisognosi” (“We were born for young people who are most in need”). This line was among the many inspiring ones from the conference delivered by the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, in his meeting with the Salesians of Don Bosco.

On March 5, at 10:00 in the morning, the Salesians in the FIN Province, including those from other Salesian Provinces who are here for study or work gathered at the Joy Center of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati, for this memorable meeting with the 10th Successor of Don Bosco. The Salesian confreres from the different communities welcomed the Rector Major who came from a two-hour meeting with the FIN Provincial Council.

The Rector Major gave a meaningful conference. It was delivered in Italian and Fr. Nestor Impelido and Fr. Klement alternated as interpreter. Fr. Angel promised that on his next visit, he would be speaking in English. After a short introduction giving a general description of the face of the Congregation around the world, he asked that he speak more from the heart. He spoke about Salesians being men of God—a quality that the last General Chapter emphasized. He also delved into the life of Salesians in a community which distinguished us from men with a lot of work. Then he moved into the subject of the choice of our work. As he spoke about this, he told the Salesians: “We were born for the young who are most in need” and that the Salesians should never hinder the youth from going to the house of Don Bosco. More than once he addressed himself to the young confreres, telling them of the importance of being directly involved in the apostolate. Finally, he reflected upon the challenges that the Congregation faced.

After a short open forum, the Rector Major received the application letters of two Salesians who have expressed their desire to work in the missions ad gentes. They were Bro. Jose Maria Castillo (FIN) and Bro. Francis Xavier Kang (KOR). Fr. Angel greeted both confreres and he expressed his gratitude for the generosity of these two confreres and of the Provinces where they belonged.

Fr. Remo Bati, the most senior Filipino Salesian priest, delivered the message of gratitude on behalf of the Province. He also explained the token that the Province gave to the Rector Major: an image of the Blessed Mother rendered as a Filipino woman etched on a bamboo cylinder. This token was received by the Rector Major from the hands of Fr. Provincial, Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB. The gathering concluded with the Salesians singing Cor Jesu Sacratissimum. This was followed by group picture taking and lunch.

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