After the warm welcome by Juanita Silva, regional head of formation, and the initial prayer offered by Chalina Gómez, from the Dominican Republic, Br. Nguyen shared his reflection on the importance of walking together on the vocational path, emphasising that this involves the sharing of responsibilities and faith and the ability to listen to the voice of God, as well as to discern the signs and challenges of the times.
Using the metaphor of a boat trip, the Salesian brother recalled that on such a trip, as in life, you can encounter storms, strong winds and large threatening waves. Sometimes, the obvious challenges that arise can make you feel small and limited; but these moments are precisely those in which the presence of God and the loving support of Mary are most necessary in the journey of faith.
Subsequently, the World Delegate for Salesian Cooperators also presented three models of holiness: Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa, Servant of God Vera Grita and Blessed Carlo Acutis, as figures and examples that inspire us to move forward in the mission.
At the end of his address, several participants connected from Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama and the United States shared their reflections on the subject; and Manuel Gómez, SDB Delegate for the Interamerica ASC Region, Aracelly Mayorga, Regional Delegate of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and Martín Calderón, ASC World Councillor for the Region, each offered their contribution on the subject.
More than 120 people participated via Zoom in the formation session, along with many others who connected through Facebook from the 13 countries that make up the Interamerica ASC Region, including involvement by some Salesian Cooperators from India and Pakistan.
At the end of the meeting, information was provided on the moment of community prayer to be held on Sunday, 1 December at 2:00 pm (UTC+1); and the session closed with the final prayer led by Jonathan Quesada, from Costa Rica.
The meeting was held in English, with simultaneous translations in Spanish and French, and on the three Facebook channels for each of the three languages of the Interamerica Region. It is possible to review all the interventions thanks to the broadcast made through Facebook live on the ASC Interamerica page. The Regional Executive Secretariat was responsible for this activity.
