Engadine, Sydney, Australia, 23 April 2023 -- Day two of the Rector Major Fr Ángel Fernández Artime’s visit to Australia began with a tour of the Don Bosco Shrine, or St John Bosco Parish Church, guided by Fr Frank Bertagnolli the Rector who has a comprehensive knowledge of the Salesian works in Engadine.
The Rector Major was then taken to the Dunlea Centre, formerly known as Boys’ Town, to see the services provided for young people in special needs. He was welcomed by the Director of the Dunlea Centre and a few staff members who showed him around the facility with pride.
His visit to the John Paul Retirement Village established by Fr John Briffa who retires there peacefully was another highlight of the day. Fr Briffa was happy to receive the visit of the Rector Major to the Village, and to his private apartment for a special blessing. The Rector Major also had a chance to speak to many retirees who enjoy the services offered by the Village.
Engadine, a suburb in southern Sydney, is home to what is perhaps the most comprehensive Salesian presence in Australia; there are three very successful schools (Primary, Secondary and Special Residential & Day), a retirement village, lively parish and flourishing youth ministry.
Lay collaborators from each of these came together with the Salesians and FMAs for a Meze-styled banquet, with Fr Ángel as the guest of honour.
The atmosphere was lively and full of friendly chatter as all of these people so dedicated to Don Bosco’s charism came together to celebrate it’s 100th year in Australia and 70th year in Engadine.
After a few quick speeches of acknowledgement and thanks, it was time to cut the celebratory cake and Fr Ángel was called upon to do the honours. As he stood he called for table 10 to join with him to share the duty and so, cut the cake with 9 youth leaders from the St John Bosco Parish.
Once everyone was well-fed, Fr Ángel then took it upon himself to entertain the crowd, calling for a guitar. This brought great enthusiasm from the crowd who were suitably impressed with the performance, and even joined in on the singing despite it being in a foreign language!
As the lunch gathering was drawing to a close, each group of collaborators stopped to have their photo taken with the Rector-Major and with that, the afternoon was complete.
After a few hours break, many of those that had gathered for lunch returned to join in the regular Mass service at the parish church. Of course, this was no regular mass; concelebrating was Fr Ángel, Regional Councillor Fr Joseph Nguyen Thinh Phuoc, Provincial Fr Will Matthews and the members of the Engadine Salesian community.
During his homily, Fr Ángel thanked the parishioners for their great support and presence within the life and mission of the Church, and specifically, the Salesian way of doing things. In the light of the Emmaus story, he also spoke about the importance of walking together on a faith journey, and all throughout, his wonderful, playful sense of humour came to the fore; more than once did the congregation erupt in laughter!
With the completion of Mass, it was another round of photos for the Rector-Major, as parishioners, students, teachers, and young people were all eager to have their photos taken with him. As the gathered crowd dwindled, day two of Fr Ángel’s joyful presence also came to an end, with the promise of plenty more in the coming days!
