This youth-led solidarity campaign raised $ 14,064 which was delivered to Fr Francisco Sánchez, Provincial, Thursday 11 February, through a symbolic check, which represents the faith that moved the hundreds of boys and girls who made up the different groups, their motivation to share, their great sensitivity to discover God in others and the value of solidarity.
The Provincial thanked the young people for their efforts and creativity. “We cannot be paralyzed, we are still in this pandemic situation and we must continue to work. Thanks to the SYM, to the oratories, to all those who accompany young people in these spaces because it is the heart of Don Bosco that lives and vibrates in their hearts. It is worth being a Salesian to share life and you are Don Bosco's today, bringing joy to other young people, being missionaries of life.”
Broadcast on social networks, the event also served to give an account to the many benefactors of the destination of the funds raised. Jennyfer Chiriboga, coordinator of the Salesian oratories, and Alejandro Mena, SYM coordinator, were the ones who led the project with the accompaniment of various Salesians, lay people and collaborators of the Salesian Youth Ministry.
Fr Wladimir Acosta, Delegate for Youth Ministry, said that various difficulties had to be overcome during the process. “The first barrier was how to help others if I myself am going through a difficult situation, but the young people have overcome it ... I consider them very bold, it is something that characterizes them because they respond to what moves them from the heart.”
Some of the activities carried out were: “Salesians in Prayer”, a space for reflection and prayer broadcast on Facebook; the solidarity piggy bank to collect voluntary contributions; the sale of food in various places, and the sale of sweaters, masks and diaries. “Today we close a phase, but we renew our commitment to reach out to those in need,” said Jennifer during her words of thanks to all those involved in these actions.
After the conclusion of this activity, for Fr Acosta the challenge is to qualify the presences so that they are evangelizing, so that they can help the children to mature in faith, as the Rector Major asks. “I believe that more than activity, more than money, the challenge is that children discover God and increase their faith, that they find in our groups, in the oratories, not only fun, games, formation themes, but that they succeed in experiencing God.”
