FIRST RECOLLECTION OF THE NEW SPIRITUAL ANIMATOR OF PRIMARY ADMA, FR. GABRIEL CRUZ

On Sunday, 4th February, Fr. Gabriel Cruz, SDB, led the recollection of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) Primary for the first time since his appointment as the association's new animator on 1st January.

To welcome him, at the Salesian mission ‘Rebaudengo’ in Cumiana, there was a large ‘family of families’ walking under Mary's mantle. The theme of the retreat, included in the formative path of the year, centered on the dream at 9 and directed towards the International Congress of Mary Help of Christians at Fatima (29th August – 1st September 2024), was: "The Mystery of the Name: we know what we live". It was an opportunity to reflect on the fact that God, as He did with Don Bosco, calls each one by name and gives a mission that must be lived in faith and perseverance, with the certainty that ‘in due time’ everything will be understood. In addition to the catechesis, ample space was dedicated by Fr. Cruz to the story of the personal journey which led him to ADMA.

With a joyful smile and great simplicity, the Salesian told of his birth in Mexico, of his meeting with the Salesian world, of his entry into the seminary chosen ‘almost by chance’, of his desire to be sent to missions, accepted after 10 years of service in initial formation, in the prisons and with the street youth in Mexico City, and then of the years of mission in Pakistan.