The Rector Major, Fr. Angel F. Artime arrived in Seoul (2)

By Our Own Correspondent

Seoul, Korea, 22 October 2016 -- The second day of Rector Major's visit (October 22) started with a wonderful family welcome in the FMA provincial house compound of Shin Gil Dong, where are living about 100 sisters, 8 aspirants-postulants and 50 girls in need. The Mass was participated also by some VIDES-Korea youth and five Salesian priests, including Fr. Horacio Lopez (personal secretary of the RM) and Fr. Stefano Yang (SDB provincial of Korea).

Morning Eucharist (Memory of Saint John Paul II) was presided in Italian language by the Rector Major and his homily translated into Korean by former FMA provincial Sr. Ursulina. Fr. Angel thanked for the invitation to the FMA house and pointed at the priority of 'giving self completely to God' before any other Salesian activity.

After an abundant breakfast followed a simple but very cordial Academy with two Korean songs, highlighted by 4 FMA Aspirants and 4 FMA Postulants dressed in a traditional 'hanbok'. The Sisters welcomed Rector Major: 'Welcome amongst us as living Don Bosco. Welcome, our Father! Look around at our faces shining with smiles and profound joy! Thanks for coming in our midst as the animator and center of unity for the whole Salesian Family! We pray for your good journey in Mongolia and Myanmar asking the grace 'Wherever you go, may sun shine!'

In his final address the Rector Major share his experience from 52 countries where he almost always met also the FMA sisters. The Rector Major encouraged all present: 'Live with enthusiasm your vocation! In the whole Catholic Church the Salesian SDB and FMA presence with all our weakness makes a significant contribution, especially among the youth in need.

In the FMA Korea-Mongolia province (KOR) are 270 Sisters (average age 50 years) with 7 novices, 4 postulants and 4 aspirants spread in 35 communities in South Korea and Mongolia. Especially their commitment to the youth at risk and youth in need is very much appreciated by the local Church and society.

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