Ecuador - National Meeting of Missionary Groups
Riobamba, Ecuador - November 2023 - More than 200 young people took part in the National Meeting of Missionary Groups held from 9 to 11 November in the Community of Riobamba. "Ecological spirituality" was the theme that motivated the participants to reflection, group work and commitment to promote care for the common home starting from the Salesian charism. On the first day of the meeting, around the document of Salesian Mission Day 2023, there was a formation session that addressed four points: Environmental ecology; the "Gospel" of creation; climate-induced displacement; and the ecology of daily life. This session concluded with the Ecological Missionary Rosary. One of the central activities of the meeting was the missionary experiences the young people had on Friday. This moment began with the celebration of the Eucharist and the missionary sending out. After Mass, the young people went to the parish of Punín, in the city of Riobamba, to visit several communities in that area and share with the people. During the night they shared their experiences of meeting as true missionaries and then had a moment of encounter with God in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On the last day, the theme "Indigenous worldview, ecological care" was discussed and agreements were made between all participants. Finally, they participated in the sending out of the International Missionary Volunteers.