“We must be present in the digital world,” the Rector Major says.
(ANS – Macao, August 14) – As part of his visit to the China Province, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime answered questions from young people involved with the province’s youth ministry.
What impressions did you have of our province?
It’s a visit I had planned for some time. I wanted to meet you, and now that I’m here I can say that I feel at home in this province. Here I’ve met many young people, all with different characteristics. This made me realize, once again, how beautiful diversity is. To all the young people of this province I want to leave a message: do not be afraid, because God supports us at every moment.
How do you deal with difficulties?
We all have moments of difficulty, obviously also the Salesians, the FMAs, the laity. Sometimes we’re afraid; it’s natural. But we can never lose hope. Our faith gives us strength. Faith, dear Salesian Family, is our greatest strength, and we all know what it means in our lives. Personally, as a Salesian, I always try to be positive. If we really believe we are Don Bosco’s spiritual family, then we can never be pessimistic and lose hope!
How do you think social networks can be used to connect young people?
Don Bosco had the best printing press in Turin, with the most advanced technology. He was profoundly convinced of the need to use these means of communication. The same happens today! Only we need to be trained to use them well. In our schools young people are taught how to use the internet, but are they also taught how to distinguish good things from dangers? We must be present in the digital world. We must seize the opportunities it offers us and at the same time avoid the dangers that present themselves. This is undoubtedly important.
How can young people be motivated to follow Jesus?
We Salesians must always remain alongside the young. We can never stop being present among young people. This is the central point of the Salesian Family. If we lose sight of this, we would make a big mistake. Once again, I want to invite all of you to live with courage, to be authentic witnesses for others, and to live always following Christian and Salesian values. We must never be afraid.
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