A Gathering of Religious Educators from Around the World
This annual event, organized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, brings together religious educators from across the globe for three days of catechetical workshops, adult formation sessions, liturgies, and exhibitions. These activities are designed to equip the Church for its mission of evangelization and catechesis.
For over twenty years, the Salesian Family has sponsored an exhibit booth at the Congress, presenting the Salesian charism and pedagogy to attendees. Parents, educators, and catechists seeking guidance and resources for their work with young people are actively engaged at the booth.
Promoting the Salesian Educational Mission
The primary goal of the Salesian booth is to promote the philosophy, approach, and educational method of St. John Bosco—his Preventive System—which teaches, "we educate with the heart and walk alongside young people." Through this approach, the Salesians bring the joy and hope of the Gospel to all who visit the booth while also achieving several key objectives:
– Raising awareness of how the Salesians support today’s young people and families, especially the most vulnerable.
– Providing pastoral and educational guidance for educators and catechists.
– Offering Salesian resources.
– Showcasing the various vocations within the Salesian Family.
– Presenting the works, ministries, services, and groups of the Salesian Family.
Expansion of the Salesian Exhibit
This year, the Salesian presence at the Congress expanded to four booths, offering even more opportunities for engagement.
– The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians led a booth featuring images of Salesian saints and invited visitors to entrust their prayer intentions to the intercession of Mary Help of Christians.
– The Salesian Cooperators hosted a booth showcasing how Salesians around the world serve young people.
Expert Contributions on the Preventive System
Two distinguished experts on the Preventive System also participated in the event:
– Fr. Alejandro Rodriguez, SDB, introduced several books in English and Spanish as resources for spiritual retreats.
– Sr. Mary Greenan, FMA, highlighted new materials for working with young adults, published by Don Bosco Publications (UK), and presented the Salesian Matrix, an assessment tool for schools and families.
Online Education and Digital Outreach
– Diane Gehring, Director of SJB Global Online Education, promoted the online theology programs of St. John Bosco High School, inviting other Catholic high schools to explore these offerings.
– Lisandor Albro, Jr., a Salesian Animator, conducted live-streamed interviews with Salesian Family members and booth visitors. He asked them about their experiences of the call to holiness and what advice they would offer to today’s young people and educators.
A Vibrant Testimony for the Future
In conclusion, the Salesian Family provided an inspiring witness at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, demonstrating various ways to share the Salesian charism and pedagogy with today’s youth.
"We look forward to building on this experience next year and involving even more members and groups of the Salesian Family to share this mission of service and accompaniment with young people," stated the Salesian Family of the Western United States.
