Our
father Speaks to his Sons…
A Call
for a fruitful Evangelization
(An extract
from the talk of the Rector Major on his visit to Oceania. Source: Mission
Video)
Rev.
Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians, on his visit to
Oceania Salesian missions made a great impact in the heart of the people. With
the heart of a father he approached them sharing in their joys as well as
sorrows. When he was asked how the dream of evangelization could be realized
today he said, “it is possible through proclamation of the gospel and through
life in the community.”
During his address he spoke out his mind saying:: “We need community oriented
people with community spirit and that’s why proclamation of the gospel must
emphasize this profound reality of fraternity according to gospel. It is a
reality of love, the reality of love as God has loved us. Proclamation of the
gospel needs apostles. It needs vocation and courage from all of us, those who
are living in this land.”
On
reaching papa New Guinea he said it was really a very special moment for him
and felt that that part of the world is very different from other parts of the
world because of its cultural richness and variety. Considering the opportunity
to address the gathering there he said, “It’s an opportunity to encourage you
to unite all to continue the wonderful work of proclaiming the Lord Jesus. Don
Bosco has a great capacity to open the hearts of all the young people in the
world. I am convinced that Don Bosco has taken roots here and no doubt that his
charism will have a beautiful future in this church of Oceania.”
With
this very inspiring words emerging directly from his heart, our father invites
all of us Salesians, to go to peripheries and to places where people need us
most. He convinced of the effectiveness and the relevance of the mission of Don
Bosco and dreams of a fruitful evangelization wherever we are. Are we too
convinced of the beautiful charism of Don Bosco? Are we enthusiastic about
proclaiming the gospel of Christ? What can we do to make our evangelization
fruitful?
Nithyian SDB
