(ANS – Huancayo) – After almost two months in Peru, Fr. Hugo Orozco, the extraordinary visit is coming to an end. From the very beginning of his itinerary to Salesian works, the Councilor for the Inter-American Region has distinguished himself for his gestures of closeness and affection. Everywhere, young people, Salesians and members of the Salesian Family enthusiastically welcomed the Councilor, who represented the Rector Major in his journey through the country, and he reciprocated in every circumstance with words and gestures of genuine closeness.

At the end of September, the Salesian community of Pucallpa welcomed Fr. Orozco, honoring him with a day of joy, faith and Salesian fraternity. During his stay in the parish, the Regional Councilor met with young people, shared meaningful moments with the Parish Pastoral Council and greeted all the members of the community with affection.

The visit then continued to the south-central part of the country, to Ayacucho. Students, teachers and parents welcomed him with great enthusiasm, in a festive atmosphere enlivened by traditional music and dancing. During the visit, he was honored by the educational community, and the Director, Fr. Jorge Atarama, spoke on behalf of everyone, saying: “Dear Fr. Hugo, with your presence we feel the closeness of the Rector Major among us.”

The Councilor was also able to learn about the history of Peru through works of art created by the students themselves. On the second day of his stay, Fr. Orozco blessed two new drinking water points for the entire school community, an initiative made possible thanks to the efforts of the 2025 Student Council.

He also met with the staff of the institute, leaving three fundamental messages for the Salesian educational mission:

– Trust: educate with the heart, earning the trust of young people in a family environment.

– Transcendence: live and transmit the faith, sharing values that lead to God every day.

– Relationships: strengthen the bonds between family, educators and students, cultivating goodwill and a spirit of service.

Then, from October 3, Fr. Orozco visited the Educational-Pastoral Community of Piura. “I had been told that it is very hot in Piura, but the strongest heat is not that of the sun, it is yours: I felt it in your eyes, in your smiles, in your words and in your music,” commented Fr. Orozco on his arrival.

The highlight was his inspiring message, focused on how to keep happiness and the Salesian spirit alive. The Salesian offered three keys to ‘defending joy’ throughout life:

– Never stop being friends with God, because friendship with God generates peace and joy in the heart.

– Never stop learning new things, because constant learning enriches the mind and protects against sadness and depression.

– Never stop playing, because play keeps the heart cheerful, even in the face of difficulties and failures.

The visit to Piura was completed on the second day with another event full of communion and fraternity, through a gathering with the entire Salesian Family of Piura.

The Councillor for Interamerica then travelled to the “Unrivalled City” of Huancayo. In an atmosphere of fraternity, he addressed words that left a deep impression on students, teachers and members of the Salesian Family. He recalled his first visit to the city, dating back to the pandemic period, when the school was empty, without the joy of young people, and, addressing the young people, he said: ‘I am happy today to see you smiling and happy. Like Don Bosco, I want to see you smiling always, always, even when you are old. Never stop carrying joy in your hearts.’

And to conclude on a high note, on Saturday 11 October, Fr. Orozco visited the first Salesian house in Peru: that of Rímac, in Lima, the place where the Salesian presence in the country began. In the afternoon, he walked among the games, observing the activities and letting himself be infected by the energy of the young people. After the traditional warm welcome, the Councilor addressed the Salesian thought of “good night” and then met with animators and pre-animators in a more intimate setting, where experiences and reflections were shared.

In the light of the Gospel, the Councilor invited everyone to meditate on two fundamental attitudes for every believer: gratitude and inclusion. ‘Giving thanks saves us because it transforms the heart and makes us live with a new perspective. Furthermore, inclusion makes us like Jesus, who never excluded anyone, not even those whom the world despised.’

Finally, he addressed children, adolescents and young people in a special way, reminding them that God continues to do good things in their lives. For this reason, he invited them to make a simple but profound gesture: ‘Imagine yourselves at the feet of Jesus, embrace him with gratitude and say from the bottom of your hearts: “Thank you, thank you, thank you…”’.

In all his visits, Fr. Orozco’s presence has left a mark of hope and unity, reminding Salesians, collaborators and members of the Salesian Family that “Don Bosco is alive and still walks among us.”

Source: Salesianos.pe