Hajja Salesjana May June 2017

33 Has your experience been more optimistic rather than discouraging? Given this broad experience of the reality of the Congregation, I don't hesitate to state that I am definitely optimistic. To add to this, since the beginning of our travels to this very day, on returning back home, we are both tired, yet so happy. We claim that every one of our visits has confirmed our personal vocation. What we often declare, is that we are proud to be Salesian! In what area are the Salesians more "successful"? I am aware that we, Salesians, are good in many areas. There is a great variety and wealth where Salesians are seen to be cheerful and successful especially when they are among young people who are more needy. Wherever this is a reality, the preventive system shines through as being very effective among these poor and needy young people at risk. We have come across schools, vocational training centres, parishes, youth centres, oratories and homes caring for the young and focused on the poor. Meeting those most in need arouses in us the great sense of the gift of our vocation deep down in our hearts, where God dwells in us and where we, therefore, "function" better. How do you perceive Fr Angel from a close point of view? I would like to respond to that question with great sincerity for I am convinced that he is the same person seen from close quarters, as seen from a distance. One of his outstanding virtues is his openness, simplicity and sincerity. He is coherent and credible. I, personally, appreciate his "normality" enhanced by outstanding leadership. How demanding is it to be a "Rector Major"? A bit of both! It is demanding from the point of view of having a great responsibility day in, day out, right through the week. He receives so many urgent matters to deal with as the Rector Major. However, dealing with matters as Fr Angel, he manifests the best of himself, and leaves the rest to God's grace. Do you think that the spiritual optimism and salesian energy of Fr Angel are setting the pace for a promising the future? I really think so, and I can confirm that these characteristics are bringing about a lot of good, already. I am a witness of this fact while he meets his confreres in the different provinces and cultures both in personal and public encounters where his optimism and energy are contagious. Do you think that the salesian presence is still called for, throughout the world? Certainly, as long as the salesians are true to themselves. In one of the Visits we made this year, we came across a prison in one of the capital cities. This prison was similar to the well-known "Generala" of 170 years ago, in Turin, and as the Rector Major agrees, this prison is probably even worse than the one in the 18th century. In 2017, there are still young people who await a friend who will take care of them! Last of all, a difficult question to ask; are you happy? Most certainly!