Salinas de Guaranda, Ecuador – March 2025 – More than 250 children and young people from the parishes of Simiatug, Facundo Vela, and Salinas de Guaranda gathered for the second meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) and the Oratories-Youth Centers of the Andean Missions on March 29-30 in a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Participants deepened their Christian and Salesian identity, reflected on caring for the environment, and strengthened their commitment to the community, following Don Bosco’s spirit. The event was animated by Salesians from the Simiatug community and the Oratories-Youth Centers Commission, led by Fr. David De la Cruz and a group of volunteers dedicated to keeping the Salesian charism alive.

A key moment of the first day was the inculturated Eucharist, presided over by Fr. David De la Cruz. During the penitential act, participants symbolically asked for forgiveness from Mother Nature using the four elements of the chakana (water, earth, air, and fire), reinforcing ecological awareness.

The second day focused on environmental care, featuring a tree-planting activity in the mountains led by Fr. Jaime Pastuña, followed by visits to local cooperative and solidarity-based businesses. Participants learned about their management models, challenges, and contributions to community development, discovering how cooperative work and entrepreneurship can improve living conditions.

The event concluded with a Eucharist presided over by Fr. Jaime Chela and concelebrated by Fr. Antonio Polo and Fr. Alberto Panerati, highlighting the role of young people as present-day leaders and the hope for the future.