Rector Major for Salesian centenary

Salesian Rector Major Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva arrived from Rome yesterday to mark the centenary celebrations of the arrival of the Salesian Fathers in Malta.

The ninth successor of Don Bosco, Fr Chávez was greeted to loud applause as he met the Salesian family at the Oratory in Sliema.

Fr Chávez said the three keywords for the Salesians' future were to grow, be united and create synergy.

"We have to be enthusiastic and convinced of our vocation. Next time I visit Malta I want to see a stadium packed with Salesians," he said.

He also spoke of the need for the many organisations to unite, know one another, love one another and be one family.

"There are many branches but no common trunk. This was the original dream of Don Bosco and I invite you to set up a council of a Salesian family in each of your localities and make it work," he said.

Fr Chávez also spoke of the strength achieved by working together and taking joint decisions.

"The history of the Salesians in Malta has been very bright, but you have the opportunity to write the brightest pages yet," he encouraged those present.

In Malta until Tuesday, Fr Chávez Villanueva also met Deputy Prime Minister Laurence Gonzi who last night unveiled a commemorative plaque in the foyer of St Patrick's school celebrating the 100 years of service to the young by the Don Bosco Salesians in Malta.

On Monday Fr Chávez will take part in a discussion with young people at the Sliema Oratory theatre at 10.45 a.m., followed by a centenary Mass at St Therese Sanctuary, Birkirkara, at 6.30 p.m.

Fr Chávez was born on December 19, 1947, at Real de Catorce, a mining area in the centre of northern Mexico. Some years later his family moved to Saltillo, where he attended the Salesian School, Colegio Mexico.

This is where his vocation began and he pursued his goal of following Don Bosco. He went on to receive the diaconal ministry in March 1973 and was ordained in December of that year.

He was elected rector major in the General Chapter 25, which was held in Rome last year.