On the first day, Friday, 19 July, work began with the meeting involving the members of the Brazilian Region Council and a performance by the Padre João Botelho State School orchestra, composed of children and young people. It aroused the admiration of the entire audience with a varied repertoire of national and international music. In the evening, Salesian Cooperator Maria Inês conducted a group dynamic to promote knowledge and interaction among participants.
On the second day, Saturday, 20 July the Salesian Superior of the host Province, Fr Natale Vitali, gave an opening report, divided into two parts, on the themes "Salesian Cooperators - Heirs of a dream" and "The dream that makes you dream. A heart that transforms wolves into lambs", with reference to the theme of Strenna 2024.
The round table "How to live the theme of the 14th National Congress in the daily life of the Salesian Cooperator?" followed again in the morning. The discussion, moderated by Giovanni Gomes, Salesian Cooperator and Animator of the ASC Province of Belo Horizonte Communication Team, allowed them to listen to various people who shared their significant experiences on how to carry out the Salesian mission with the spirit of the ASCC in the different realities of life, work and commitment.
Other highlights of the day were the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Bishop Nivaldo dos Santos Ferreira, Reference Bishop from the Episcopal Region of Nossa Senhora Aparecida in the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, concelebrated by Fr Vitali; and the participation of Mr Boccia, World Coordinator of the ASC, in the meeting of the Animation of World Economic Solidarity (ASE).
On the last day, Sunday 21st, the concluding moments of the 14th Congress were marked by the Rite of the First Promises of 14 Aspirants from the Local Centres of the ASC Province of Belo Horizonte and by the renewal of the Promises of all the Salesian Cooperators, in the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr Playá.
During the thanksgiving moment, the Provincial Initial, Ongoing and Specific Formation Plan of the ASC Province of Belo Horizonte was also launched. This document is the result of the reflection of local formators on the initial formation proposal of the Brazilian Region and on the formation experiences of each local centre. Vocational promotion and formation initiatives for the second half of 2024 will be structured on the basis of this document.
Renata Miranda
Source: Salesian Province of Brazil-Belo Horizonte
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21765-brazil-14th-national-salesian-cooperators-congress#sigProId9081af5c25
