The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesian Congregation, in the presence of Fr Simo Zakerian, Superior of the Salesians of the Jesus  the Adolescent Province of the Middle East (MOR), Salesians from various communities in Egypt, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, young leaders from the houses in Cairo – El Sahel, Cairo – Zeitoun and Alexandria, teachers with their families, collaborators and various friends and supporters of the work.

It was a meeting marked by joy, gratitude and a strong sense of belonging: a true family experience, in the spirit of St John Bosco.

During his homily, Fr Chávez focused on an essential message: God’s infinite and concrete love for every human being.

Referring to the Gospel of John (Jn 3:16), he recalled that God’s love is not theoretical or symbolic, but total, to the point of giving his life. The Cross is not failure, but the supreme proof of a love that saves.

He then meditated on the parable of the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-32): a Father who waits, who runs to meet his son, who embraces him even before he finishes speaking, who restores his dignity and celebrates. The heart of the message is clear: God does not love us because we are perfect, but because we are his children.

The Church: not just a building, but a family

On the day of the Church’s reopening, the meaning was even deeper: the renovated church is a visible sign of a living community.

Fr Chávez recalled that the Church is the presence of Christ when the faithful are united in his name (Mt 18:20): it is not just a place, but a family of brothers and sisters.

For this reason, he pointed out three concrete ways in which Christ can be recognised in the Church:

In the community gathered in his name. In the Word proclaimed, alive and present. In the saints and martyrs, faithful witnesses even to the gift of life.

He also recalled that eternal life begins with Baptism: it is a new life that begins now, not only after death.

The icon of the Risen Christ: the heart of the message

Particularly significant was the reference to the icon of the Risen Christ present in the renovated church: only the love of Christ is capable of overcoming death. He has the keys of death and the underworld (Rev 1:18).

A Salesian Family celebration

The day ended with a moment of fraternal Salesian animation, which created an atmosphere of joy, simplicity and fraternity among all those present.

The reopening of the renovated church of El Sahel was not only an architectural event, but a concrete sign of spiritual and missionary renewal: the Salesian Family in Egypt and the Middle East renews with conviction its ‘yes’ to the mission among young people, certain that only in love can the future be built.