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4929(II)_Zeal and fatherly heart of Don Bosco

RM's visit in Korea

November 25, 2018

Seoul, Korea, 24 November, 2018 -- "The visit of the Rector Major from 13 to 18 November was a very significant moment for all members of the Salesian Family in the Korea Province. We tried to share with the successor of Don Bosco the best of our charism in action: Fr Angel met the youth at risk in Seoul – Dae Rim Dong, the Valdocco of Korea, he baptised (in Korean language!) 60 of our high school students in Gwangju, received the promise of 57 Salesian Cooperators in Seoul and had quite a deep interaction with all major groups of the Salesian Family, with our youth and lay mission partners.

Wherever he went, Fr Artime shared his zeal and a fatherly heart as the successor of Don Bosco for all Salesian Family members stimulating the steps taken by each vocation in their own originality – lay, married, religious sisters and brothers or priests.

This experience was also realised in the Korea Province. In various talks and open meetings, Fr Angel emphasised: “We need to face change and challenges with courage.” Again and again he stressed that “The enrichment of the Salesian family doesn’t come from safety in our comfort zone and well-being in life but only when we live our own charism faithfully. Do not be afraid of change!”

The words of the Rector Major were always impressive and inspiring. During the meeting with the SDB, FMA Sisters and Caritas Sister of Jesus (SCG) he urged them and us to do ‘not simply the good but the good in need’ that we so often easily miss.

Watching his visit step by step, many members of the Salesian Family admired the patience and smile of the Rector Major amidst never ending ‘picture taking or photo sessions’ and ‘blessings’ that he offered always to everyone who asked. And he said that he did all this because he knows that taking pictures and blessings as the Rector Major, successor of Don Bosco, stimulates the way of life and enriches the vocation of each member of the Salesian Family.

NB: Fr. Savio Seong was the personal interpreter during the whole visit of the Rector Major (from Italian to Korean, from Korean to Italian). He is based in our new presence for youth at risk in Jeju Island (KOR)