Two full days were dedicated to the formation of Rectors, Economers, Pastoral Coordinators and Provincial Councillors. First of all, work was carried out on the document "The Salesian educator-pastor in the Educative and Pastoral Community". After the presentation of the theme, ideas, feelings and questions were explored in reference to some key words: personal skills and trust; accompaniment and emotional gains; discipleship and testimony; apostolic balance and the grace of unity; relationship of friendship with God and an ongoing and fruitful inner life. "The charity of the Good Shepherd is the reference point of Salesian fatherhood" insisted Fr García Morcuende.
The second major theme proposed by the General Councillor was "Apostolic leadership in a Salesian work". On this occasion he spoke at length about the attitudes necessary for a Rector or manager of a sector: consistency gives confidence, therefore the leader who serves must be community-minded, with apostolic and motivating passion. In addition, a Rector must be able to formulate the vision of the work, but without being egocentric. Fr García Morcuende therefore insisted on the need for the Salesian's motivations: "working from within to have an impact without".
Another topic discussed was the practical application of the Oratory criterion in the houses. After presenting various concrete aspects, the Salesians developed an analysis of their works in the light of the suggested indications. They discussed the experience of family spirit, religious life and the pedagogy of processes, integral growth through education and the pedagogy of joy and celebration.
Finally, Fr García Morcuende graphically presented a summary of Salesian Youth Ministry, and to do so he used as a basis the Youth Ministry, Frame of References a navigation map for the educative and pastoral service of all Salesian works and presences, with the aim of illuminating and guiding the work with young people inspired by Don Bosco and his Educational System.
The key aspects of Salesian Youth Ministry were shared during the formative meeting with the students in formation (novices, post-novices and practical trainees). "When we look at the Salesian" the General Councillor said, "we try to know what his identity is, his spirituality and, consequently, his lifestyle. In truth, there are many traits that define it, but somehow there must be a central feature that produces harmony. Precisely, the one that gives internal unity to the Salesian is pastoral charity." In fact, he continued, "pastoral charity informs the love of the Salesian from the beginning of his formative journey. The Salesian lives by and for love. It is a love that is addressed to God and, secondly, it is addressed to everything and everyone that God loves, the young people. They are two inseparable traits."
Finally, the profile of the animator was discussed with the youth leaders sharing how Don Bosco pointed to trust and friendship as the way that opens the hearts of young people and makes them available for educational activity. The leaders said that they believe in the inner strength of each young person as the main actor in their own growth and maturing, and in educational accompaniment as a means to help them do so.
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/19610-mozambique-days-of-ongoing-formation-in-salesian-youth-ministry#sigProIdf33d63635b
