Venezuela - Salesian pastoral leaders' meeting: evaluation and pastoral projection
Caracas, Venezuela - October 2024 - On 7 and 8 October, the Salesian Provincial House in Venezuela (VEN) was the scene of a significant meeting of those responsible for Salesian pastoral work, convened with the aim of evaluating, reflecting and projecting pastoral work in the various Salesian works. This event was animated by the Provincial Delegate for Salesian Youth Ministry, Fr Jorge Bastidas, who offered an opportunity for dialogue and in-depth study of the current situation in the country and its impact on pastoral activity. The central objective of the meeting was to unite Salesian pastoral agents to address the evaluation and planning of pastoral activity, in line with the guidelines established in the Salesian Educative and Pastoral Plan (SEPP) and the Sectoral Operational Plan (POS) 2019-2025. During the work, there was a deep reflection on the meaning of pastoral care, as well as an assessment of its scope and application in Salesian works. The most relevant aspects of the meeting were: formal presentation of the sector and service delegates to those responsible for pastoral animation, strengthening and promoting collaborative work; identification of the challenges arising from the current situation of the country, adapting pastoral strategies to a changing context; specific moments were dedicated to deepening the challenges from a spiritual perspective, looking for indications in the biblical teachings to orient pastoral action. The meeting offered an opportunity for evaluation and reflection on the work done, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of those responsible for pastoral care to the Salesian mission.