The participants came from the Provinces of Italy, Portugal and Spain, to which must be added the welcome presence of Sister Chantal Fert, from France. The groups represented were SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils of Don Bosco, Past Pupils FMA, Volunteers of Don Bosco, Damas Salesianas, Disciples and Cancao Nova.
"Journeying together as a Salesian Family" was the motto for the meeting, as in other previous meetings held in America, Asia and Northern Europe.
The moments of reflection and sharing were focused on:
– the situation of the Salesian Family in the region;
– listening to the world and the necessary social and political commitment to the rhythm of the Church, in the awareness that the Salesian Family is called to make an impact in real terms for the benefit of the most needy young people;
– renewal of the animation and accompaniment style;
– creating significant alliances between leaders of the Salesian Family and Youth Ministry.
Supporting the reflection were Bro. Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen, SDB, World Delegate for Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators, who took care of the details of the presentation of the people and contents; Fr Joan Lluis Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for Salesian Family Secretariat, who presented a picture of the current reality of the Salesian Family in the various provinces; Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesian Congregation, who urged taking an in-depth look at the political, social and ecclesial circumstances of the current moment; Sister Lelsye Sandigo and Sister Lucrezia Uribe, FMA General Councillor for the Salesian Family and World Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators of the FMA respectively, who led the reflection on the proposal to renew animation and accompaniment; Fr Rafael Bejarano, member of the Youth Ministry Sector, who promoted a vision of shared responsibility between Youth Ministry and the Salesian Family; and Fr Manolo Jiménez, Central Assistant of the VDB, who coordinated the presentation of the experiences and best practices that take place in the Provinces and also in the Groups present at the meeting.
The combination of these elements, aided by an atmosphere of family and joy and by moments of prayer and informal sharing, made everyone appreciate the initiative as a moment of true grace and Salesianity, called to mark the near future of the Salesian Family in the Region.
The basic points of the conclusions produced at the end of the meeting revolve around shared Mission, initial and in-depth Formation, the Salesian Family and Youth Ministry relationship and the conclusion of the drafting of a booklet from the Secretariat for the Salesian Family on "Animators" and "Accompaniers", which can contribute to a renewed quality of the journey of the Salesian Family.
