In times when people are talking about solidarity and volunteerism, it should be recognized that there are many people and especially young people who choose to volunteer. This meeting realized in Ecuador had two objectives: to assess the experience gained by the volunteers during a year of service in the various Salesian houses to know what they have learned for personal life; and propose ways of commitment for the Church and Society.
The reflection helped the young people to commit themselves to a Church reaching outwards, looking for the needy and the poor. The participants belong to various works of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The team responsible for this meeting was composed of: Fr Robert García, SDB; Fr Wladimir Acosta, SDB; Sr Silvia Segovia, FMA; Katherine Guaman and members of the "Volontari Per Sempre” from Cuenca and Quito.
The activities started with a prayer of thanks and then continued with the deepening of three themes: "Discover my being a Christian in my volunteer experience" was delivered by Fr Acosta; "My being a volunteer in society. What do I do now, after the volunteer service?" was facilitated by some volunteers; and finally, "Vocation and Mission" was given by Sr. Segovia.
Being a volunteer has nothing to do with donating time, but rather with living a time of growth that has value for a lifetime.
