On Wednesday afternoon, the Rector Major travelled from Bolton to Bollington, Cheshire, where he met with the Salesian community at Savio House, our youth retreat centre, and the team of staff who run the centre, before joining the retreat team volunteers and members of Salesian Youth Ministry to hear about current work and future plans. Above: the Retreat Team of Salesians and volunteers who live with them in community, and members of the Salesian Youth Ministry Team with the Rector Major after Mass.

The young adults present provided the music at an intimate Mass in the community chapel, and the evening continued with a delicious dinner, and much friendly conversation and laughter. Everyone was delighted when Don Ãngel and Fr Horacio played and sang for us after dinner, teaching us the choruses to some Spanish songs, and we took the opportunity to entertain our honoured guests in return, as the Provincial, Fr Gerry Briody, led us all in a rousing rendition of The Wild Rover, a well-known folk song from the British Isles, and of course, a couple of hits from The Beatles and Oasis.

Don Ãngel presented Sue McDonald, Salesian Youth Ministry Animator, with a gift to thank her for translating during his visit and for the work she does in the Province, expressing gratitude for 'your Salesian heart'.

The gathering closed with evening prayer. The Rector Major taught us a hauntingly beautiful Portuguese chant to the Virgin Mary, composed by a Salesian, and our day ended by calling on Our Lady's help and protection, as Don Bosco always did.

For more information on gap year opportunities at Savio House, visit the website