Salesian Major wins hearts in Assam

GUWAHATI, Nov 11: He came, he saw, he conquered. That was what Father Angel Ferndez Artime, Rector Major of the Don Bosco Intertiol Society, did when he set foot for the first time on the land of the Seven Sisters (Northeast) and interacted with cross sections of people, especially underprivileged children and youths of the region, only to win their hearts and minds.

It was amazing to see how fifty plus Rector Major, the 10th successor of Don Bosco, easily and lovingly mingled with old, aged, senior, young and children during his four-day-long visit to Guwahati Province of Salesians from November 8 to 11. He did not talk much but he won hearts everyone he met by his graceful gestures, blessings, messages and also playing guitar and singing with youths and children.

On Friday evening, Father Angel Ferndez met and interacted with 2000 street children at a packed auditorium of Don Bosco School, Pan Bazar. During his interactions he tried hard to inculcate a few values among street children that will make shine in life. The Rector Major appealed not to despair but celebrate life with positive mindset.   

“I am with you (street children). I will continue to bless you. I could see beautiful dreams in your eyes. We will make those dreams a reality,” Father Angel Ferndez said and started shaking hands, hugging and playing with the street children.

The Rector Major also paid a visit to the Don Bosco School at Pan Bazar on Thursday morning. There too he had been able to entertain students and inspired them to dream big. 

In his short but sweet speech, Father Angel Ferndez called upon the students to imbibe the ideals of the patron-saint John Bosco, the 19th century Roman Catholic priest.

The highlight of the visit was the interaction with the Youth of the Northeast and the launching of the Salesian Youth Movement on November 11 at Damra Parish. About 10,000 young people from all over the region took part in the Youth Fest and celebrated the 95 years of Salesian presence in Northeast.

Father VM Thomas, Provincial of Guwahati Province and an eminent educationist said Rector Major’s maiden visit has immensely inspired and motivated Salesians working in different parts of North East to continue their mission of education with renewed zeal. 

 Rector Major, who concluded his visit on Saturday, said he felt so humbled and elated by love and warmth showed by the people of the State. He said he will love visit the Northeast again.