The Salesian Educative Pastoral Proposal for 2017 aims to promote among students the theme of peace, not just as an ideal, but as something that can be lived every day. This is why, according to Fr Mauricio Cuadros, SDB, "our school is urging young people to be aware that they are a good ground for the seed of the Lord to make peace a reality in our country."
This proposal had two parts. Initially, students, teachers, priests, managers and staff of the various works have reflected on the motto "I can … because I believe in Christ.” As the final step in this first stage it was decided to "shake hands with one another, to express our desire to live in peace and unity".
The second stage consisted in giving a cross to each of the participants, as a symbol of reconciliation and with reference to the Gospel, "I leave you peace, my peace I give you," to show how important and significant it is that Jesus be part of the life of human beings.
It is worth noting the attitude of the young people at each phrase, gesture or symbol, seeing them as useful tools to make a better world. The young people realize that they are capable of doing this, and therefore they "reaffirmed the motto of this proposal raising their hand as a sign of commitment to this pastoral proposal in support of peace."
Marking their hands was of great importance to the young people and the staff as an act of commitment. "They painted their hands as a sign of commitment to build a more human society, and to be instruments of peace," one of the participants explained.
"As a community, we have started this programme with the belief that a better world is possible and that we educators can help the young people to build it" the organizers concluded.
