“Everything is possible when we have the required strength. Even though the Sociological changes are happening quickly around the world, we need to have a clear vision in mind to march forward for the next 25 years,” said the Rector Major during his interaction with the members of the Salesian Family.

He noted to the Salesians that INH Province is on the path of growth characterized by responsibility and coherence. He has enumerated that the Province is like a human person with different stages of life characterized by various needs that foster growth. Similarly, the Province is becoming robust over the years in numbers and in the expansion of communities. He said, “There is a tremendous growth from my previous visit to the Province. To continue this growth, we need to understand that vocations to Salesian life will not come spontaneously like in earlier days. We need to ensure personal accompaniment in the present age.”

The 10th successor has cautioned that when the mission does not grow, the option is not to leave and go away but guarantee the charismatic identity in every house and that in this sense, even though the Salesian may not be present physically, the charism could go on. Quoting his experience as a Provincial in Argentina, he asked the Salesians to spread the charism of Don Bosco even if they may not be physically present, thus getting ready for a different future.

The Rector Major has further shared that the greatest strength of the Congregation is youth, especially the poor youth. He congratulated the Provincial and the members of the Province for living up to this mission. He has also reminded us that the strength of the Province also lies in its confreres who should be cared for well.

Speaking to the Salesian family consisting of Salesians, FMA sisters, Sisters of Mary Immaculate, MSMHC, Salesian Co-operators, ADMA, Past pupils, School staff, youth and children, the RM encouraged everyone never to become pessimistic about life but always remain hopeful and that as members of the Salesian family, we need to become the agents of hope in the society. “Let us be happy people and live our vocation beautifully in family life and give witness through our own life. You are the most important group in the Salesian Family. You are the big force in the Salesian family,” said Fr Artime to the family people.

A book titled ‘Youth-Abhyudayam’, penned by Bro Gregory SDB, was released by the RM to mark the occasion of the visit of the Rector Major. 

There were a few breathtaking performances by the school children of Don Bosco School, Moti Nagar. Fr Peter, the Principal of the School, welcomed the august gathering. The programme ended with a hymn to Don Bosco and everyone posing for a photo with the Rector Major.