By Ms. Imelda Benitez-Domitita, ASC

Makati City, Philippines, 5 March 2016 - The Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, SDB, celebrated the Holy Mass for the members of the Salesian Family today, March 5, at 3:00 in the afternoon at the Magone Dome of Don Bosco Technical Institute - Makati. Fr. Paul Bicomong, SDB, the FIN Provincial Superior, Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, the EAO Regional, Fr. Horacio Lopez, SDB, the secretary of the Rector Major, and several Salesian priests concelebrated with him.

In his homily, the Rector Major stressed that the Salesian Family must be the living presence of Don Bosco today. He gave his two simple but powerful messages to them. First: "Do not complain." As the largest religious family in the world, there should be no room for complaining. Instead, serve and bring hope. Second: "Open your doors to grow in number and identity." The members of the Salesian Family must go out and offer themselves to the needy. Live the identity distinctively. The lay members have the great capacity to be witnesses of the Good News where they are. They live their vocation more meaningfully in the circumstances of their daily life.

As a word of encouragement, he told everyone that Pope Francis loves the Salesian Family. He recalled how the Holy Father was moved when members of the Salesian Family filled up the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians when he recently visited Turin.

In a brief open forum, he responded to the question of a young FMA postulant who asked what he can advise young people like them who are under formation in becoming authentic followers of Christ. The Rector Major simply told her to take courage, keep the joy, optimism, and the passion in her heart.

The meeting was capped by presentation of gifts of the Salesian Family Commission which the Rector Major graciously accepted.

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