These topics were divided into three main areas. First of all the keys to interpreting the Salesian educative and pastoral model; the importance of the Educative and Pastoral Community and the different Youth Ministry areas; the implications of the culture of reflection and planning in the different instruments (Overall Provincial Plan, Provincial Salesian Educative and Pastoral Plan).
Second: systematic Youth Ministry within a Province, with the management of commissions and groups in the provincial pastoral field; animation and provincial coordination between the Provincial Youth Ministry Delegate, the Provincial and his Council; an understanding of vocational animation; promotion of integral ecology; the value of evangelisation in the digital world and prayer with young people.
Finally: pastoral leadership, the development of meaningful interpersonal relationships and conflict management; good habits for emotional life and communication; onversion of personal habits (with attention to healthy schedules and a balanced workload); the integration of personal, relational skills; the care of the spiritual life in the Delegate and the practice of Lectio Divina.
Also valuable was the guided tour to some significant places in Rome that have seen the splendid adventure of the beginning of Christianity unfold.
"It was a Salesian experience that rekindled the sense of belonging to the Congregation, awakened the desire to revive pastoral charity in the confreres and an attention to the new suburbs" said the course organisers. "The example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, combined with his words, transcends time to extend throughout human history and enter the life of each of his disciples. As Salesians we make fraternal service to young people our own style, our own specific activity. Understanding animation as a service is, at the same time, a form of obedience to the Lord Jesus and an act of fidelity to Don Bosco."
"You learn to serve/animate, even with a prolonged ascetic approach to formation" said the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende.
"Frequently the example of the Educative and Pastoral Communities helps and encourages us" he said. "Provincial animation thus becomes, for the provincial delegates, a place to exercise evangelical service. The province, even where organisation is simple, grows and lives over time, thanks to the educative and pastoral model and proposal."
