Arrival and Welcome
Yercaud, 3 August 2024 – The serene Salesian center, The Retreat in Yercaud, came alive with the joyous presence of Rev. Fr. Stefano Martoglio SDB, Vicar of the Rector Major, who visited to interact with young Salesians as part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy. Fr. Stefano arrived at The Retreat on the evening of 2 August at 7:15 PM and was warmly welcomed by the post-novices of the Jnanodaya Salesian Institute of Philosophy. The evening commenced with a creative welcome by the post-novices, followed by a visit to the Sola Tribal Illam boys, where Fr. Stefano engaged in a meaningful interaction with the children. The day concluded with a welcome dinner and an inspiring good night talk by Fr. Stefano, setting a reflective and positive tone for the activities ahead.
Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist
On the morning of 3 August, the young Salesians gathered for morning prayer, followed by the Holy Eucharist led by Fr. Stefano, with representatives of various religious houses in Yercaud also in attendance. In his homily, he emphasized themes of gratitude, the light of the Gospel, and the importance of daily renewal of faith. Fr. Stefano expressed his deep gratitude for the vibrant religious life in the province, noting the presence of many religious houses in Yercaud, which he likened to the Vatican. He reflected on the complexities of human nature through the story of Herod and John the Baptist, stressing the need for recognizing God’s presence in daily life and renewing one’s faith consistently.
Blessing of the Extension Building
At 9:30 AM, a special ceremony was held for the blessing of the extension building for the Hospitium, marking another milestone in the community’s growth and service.
Interaction with Young Clerics
Following the blessing, at 10:00 AM, the young clerics gathered around Fr. Stefano for a fruitful interaction and discussion. After a short self-introduction about his ministry as the Vicar, Fr. Stefano addressed the clerics on the topic of “fidelity to our Salesian identity.” He highlighted the capacity to discover one’s identity by feeling the presence of God in one’s life, the importance of living in community with the spirit of a Trinitarian God, emphasizing unity, love, and care, and reflecting on the fraternity within the community. He also spoke about the Salesian life as an institutional life offering service to the Church through the congregation and the Rector Major, the living image of Don Bosco, and emphasized the importance of governance and structure needed for the growth of the Congregation. Fr. Stefano concluded his talk by exalting the members of the province to be grateful for the blessings received over the past twenty-five years and encouraged the clerics, seen as the future of the province and the congregation, to look forward to the golden jubilee with God’s grace and continuous assistance. The meeting saw a fruitful conclusion with ample time for discussion and interaction with Fr. Stefano.
Family Circle and Departure
Following the session, there was a family circle wherein the young clerics and post-novices actively participated, meticulously animating the entire event. The morning’s activities concluded with a shared lunch, providing a moment for personal interactions and reflections. After a period of rest, Fr. Stefano departed for Namakkal at 3:30 PM, leaving behind a community inspired and reinvigorated by his visit.
Conclusion
Fr. Stefano Martoglio’s visit to The Retreat was a significant event for the young Salesians, offering them a chance to deepen their faith, gain new perspectives, and feel a renewed sense of purpose in their spiritual journey. His inspiring words and engaging presence underscored the importance of community, faith, and continuous spiritual growth.