Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People,
I pray that this message finds you well. Greetings and God’s blessings to all of you!
A week ago, on the 25th of September, 25 Salesians of Don Bosco, mostly young men, were sent forth as missionaries to many parts of the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to poor young people. This is the 135th expedition since Don Bosco sent the first missionaries to Argentina in 1875. The Rector Major, Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, sent forth these missionaries and wrote a reflection on this momentous event. He quoted Don Bosco from the event of that first expedition:
“But my voice fails me, tears stifle my words. I only say that even though in this moment my soul is saddened at the thought of your departure, my heart is greatly consoled in seeing our Congregation strengthened; in realizing how we, in our insignificance, are yet able at this moment to contribute our little pebble to the mighty edifice of the Church. Yes, go forth bravely, but remember that there is but one Church…”
These words of Don Bosco is an awesome reminder that we are called to be missionary disciples, maybe not as missionaries ad gentes, but as missionaries who, in our insignificance, are sent to contribute our life and service to wherever God has placed us.
Don Bosco understood from the beginning that all of us, including young people, are called to holiness. Salesian holiness is realized in the daily proclamation of God’s love for the young. And here we are once again, celebrating another crowning moment of Salesian holiness in the life of Artemides Zatti.
There is much joy in the Salesian world as Artemides Zatti will be canonized on the 9th of October at St. Peter’s in Rome by Pope Francis. I and other confreres in our Province will participate in the events in Rome. But I invite all of you to join us in prayer and in spirit. I believe there are resources available in how you can participate and they are included in this issue of InTouch.
May St. Artemides Zatti intercede for all our intentions. I especially pray for vocations to the Salesian Family in our mission to the young. St. Artemides Zatti. Pray for us.
Sincerely in Christ and in Mary,
Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB
Provincial
Western Province of Salesians of Don Bosco