71 Salesian Cooperators, 8 aspirants, and the Provincial Delegates for the ASC of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Fr Manuel Gómez and Sister Basilia Ramírez, respectively, took part in the event. In total, there were members of the Association from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, as well as an Argentine Salesian Cooperator.
The goal of the meeting was to awaken and encourage young Salesian Cooperators to transform their situation through the Salesian charism, to attract more vocations and to become agents of change to give continuity to the mission of the Association of Salesian Cooperators.
Fr Julio Navarro, SDB, Superior of the Central American Province (CAM), presided over the opening Mass and then greeted the participants, hoping for their growth in their Salesian vocation.
Under the inspiring motto "Young Salesian Leaders: a dream, a promise and the future in our hands", the participants reflected on the task of consolidating regional fraternity and future planning through new leadership.
Among the topics addressed were identity, some inspiring experiences, the strengthening of skills, calls to unite, challenges, journeying together without fear and responsibility for the future. The meeting ended, finally, by drawing up commitments for each Province.
Topics were developed through conferences and workshops held on a rotating basis, with speakers from the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba and Mexico. Formation and spirituality were combined, with the Eucharist, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and various Marian moments. There was also time to socialise and be together. In addition to reflecting on the themes and workshops developed, the participants cultivated strong fraternal bonds and strengthened their Salesian vocation in moments of prayer.
A significant moment was the online discussion with the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr Miguel Ángel García Morcuende, on "Facing global challenges and youth leadership", during which four young Salesian Cooperators from four different places posed questions.
The meeting was organised by the Regional Secretariat and the logistics were taken care of by the Salesian Cooperators from CAM North Province, led by Guatemala. One of the most significant moments was the visit to the beautiful city of Antigua Guatemala.
The meeting ended with the drafting of a manifesto in accordance with the content of the promise, and the different Provinces represented proposed three actions to give continuity to what emerged from the meeting.
At the end, certificates of participation were given to all those who attended the courses, to speakers and to the team responsible for the event.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/20932-guatemala-2nd-regional-meeting-of-young-leaders-in-the-salesian-cooperators#sigProId0aa90858c3
