(ANS – Sangradouro) – “The Salesian Congregation is missionary in its essence”: this statement by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, was made a few hours before the end of his visit to the Salesian missions in Mato Grosso, among the Boe-Bororo and Xavante indigenous peoples.

The Rector Major said he was moved by the gratitude shown by the Boe-Bororo and Xavante populations towards the work of the Salesians. He reiterated that missionary work with the native peoples is a “fundamental clause” of the Salesian charism. “I renew the commitment we have as Salesians, not only as a Province, but as Salesians, for missionary work in the world and in the peripheries, and therefore also in Mato Grosso. It is a line of the Congregation that the province cannot change. They cannot come (the Salesians of a place) and say: ‘We do not want the missions.’ No! The whole Congregation is missionary in its essence. And the reality I see is that the Province of Campo Grande is very committed to the missions,” he said.

One memorable aspect of the Cardinal’s visit to the Salesian missions among the indigenous people of Mato Grosso was the personal blessings sought by children, young people, adults, and even the elderly. In the village of Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Our Lady of Fatima), the Xavante people formed a queue, and the 10th Successor of Don Bosco bestowed individual blessings upon each of them.

Regarding this matter, the Rector Major elaborated: “I approach these moments with utmost respect. We understand that some individuals may be shy, and children might sometimes feel apprehensive. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how they approached me. Therefore, I felt it was important to continue offering each person a personal blessing. I do this because I firmly believe in personal interactions. I place great emphasis on personal greetings, individual embraces when requested by a young person, and providing personal blessings, just as my predecessors have done. I highlight this because, at times, our pragmatism may cause us to overlook the significance of certain gestures, and the personal blessing holds profound symbolism,” analyzed the Cardinal.

In his extensive travels, the Rector Major, Cardinal Fernández Artime, has visited over 120 countries, gaining insights into the diverse missionary realities of the Salesians worldwide. Reflecting on his recent visit to the indigenous Salesian missions in Mato Grosso, he emphasized that each experience is incomparable. “The missionary reality in Mato Grosso is distinct from others because of the unique populations we engage with,” he remarked. “There is no one-size-fits-all manual for missions because it simply does not exist. Instead, we adapt our approach based on the specific context and people we encounter.” He went on to highlight the varied styles of engagement with different indigenous groups, such as the Mapuche, Teguelche, Soar and Solar peoples, Xavante, Yanomami, Boe-Bororo, and Paraguayan peoples. “Each community presents its own distinct style and culture,” he explained. “Having visited them all, I can attest that the mission in Mato Grosso is truly unique, reflecting the distinctiveness of the people we serve.”

Leaving behind the indigenous territories, the Rector Major arrived in the scorching city of Cuiabá, where temperatures soared to 42°C. However, the heat of the weather paled in comparison to the warmth and joy exuded by the young students of the Salesian schools “São Gonçalo” and “Santo Antônio” upon welcoming the Rector Major at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.

Cardinal Fernández Artime embraced those gathered in the sanctuary, forming a large human corridor on the steps leading to the temple. He graciously received a floral tribute and the heartfelt words of welcome and greetings. It was impressive to witness men and women, professionals and students, fathers and mothers, setting aside their weekday responsibilities to meet the Successor of Don Bosco and Cardinal of the Church.

Accompanied by the Provincial – Fr Ricardo Carlos, the Rector of the Salesian Community and Shrine -Fr Hermenegildo Silva Conceição, and other Salesians from the Cuiabá presences, the Rector Major proceeded to consecrate and inaugurate the church’s new tabernacle. Following the religious service inside the church, the Cardinal proceeded to the courtyard of the ‘São Gonçalo’ institute, where he unveiled a monument honoring Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians, commemorating the 130th anniversary of the province and institute.

Euclides Brites