The day began at 6:30 am with meditation, offering participants time for quiet and contemplation. At 7:00 a.m., the celebration of the Eucharist, celebrated by Father José Kuttianimattathil, gave a spiritual focus to what followed, reminding everyone of the need to open themselves to divine grace and fraternal communion under the inspiration of St Philip Neri. After breakfast, the participants gathered at 8:45 for a summary of the previous day, an exercise that gave the opportunity to retrace the highlights.
At 9 am it was the turn of Fr Alphonse Owoudou, SDB, Regional Councillor for Africa-Madagascar, to come to the speakers' table. He led a captivating session on the theme of the Congress, “Walking with Raphael and Tobias, cycling with Artemides”, and shared some inspired reflections on how these figures can be models for the life and work of Salesian Brothers.
The Brothers, who are capable, formed and identified as such, are a mainstay for young people in their often complicated and difficult lives, just as the Archangel Raphael, known also as Azaria, was a mainstay a social and spiritual reference for Tobias, who was thus able to fulfill his mission as son and future father. The long journey of initiation of our young African people to adulthood is already fruitful and will be even more so if they are accompanied by significant figures and trusted people like Azaria, true guardian angels, companions of Emmaus, capable - as they in our houses of formation and in our institutions - of educating, forming and accompanying.
In addition to serving unity, Salesian identity and apostolic fullness within the Salesian Congregation with all their talents, Salesian Brothers play a very important role as guides and mentors for young people who are still seeking their place in the world - a figure similar to a Zatti or a Raphael who can be seen as a spiritual parent.
The day then continued with an assembly discussion which gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences and questions related to the theme of the Congress. Three questions accompanied this discussion:
How do you evaluate the “walking together” and the complementarity of the two forms of Salesian vocation today? Indicate the aspects that can improve this "Salesian synodality".
Suggest strategies to form the Salesian Brother to be a vocational witness, someone who accompanies young people and a spiritual guide for everyone (young people in general, candidates for Salesian life and other Salesians).
– What role do Brothers play in the provincial plan for the qualification of confreres? Current situation and possible outlook.
Halfway through the day the participants gathered for lunch, which was another convivial moment of sharing and informal exchange. The afternoon featured the 4th session, led by Fr Augustine Sellam, who presented some famous figures of Salesian Brothers, including St Artemides Zatti, Blessed Stephen Sandor and Venerable Simon Srugi – concrete examples that inspired the participants in their commitment and dedication to service, community and mission.
The day continued at at 5:15 pm with session 5, led by Ignace Kamga, which highlighted the importance of collaboration between Salesians and lay people, stressing the importance of working together to continue the Salesian mission and face the challenges of today's world.
At 7:00 pm the participants gathered for Evening Prayer, marking a moment of recollection and gratitude for the day they spent together. Fr Owoudou then offered a thought by way the Salesian Goodnight, summarising the reflections and key teachings of the day and providing some information about the Region.
The second day of work was a day filled with spirituality, reflection and collaboration. Moments of prayer, stimulating presentations and lively discussions enabled the participants to strengthen their commitment to the Salesian mission and to cultivate fruitful relationships between Salesians and lay people.
Gaëtan Lwamba, sdb
