Such a gathering offered the best possible setting for the inauguration of the new Center for Philosophical Studies "Saint Francis of Sales" built in the Salesian complex of Dili-Comoro. Taking place on the evening of Monday 11 November was a solemn Eucharist and the formal act of inauguration and blessing, accompanied by a cultural academy organized by the young people who attend Salesian works and by the customary speeches of the various authorities present,  including the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, Dulce Soares, and the Superior of the Vice Province of East Timor (TLS), Fr Apolinário Neto.

Yesterday, Tuesday 12 November, it was the first day of actual work for the region's YM and MA delegates. It began with a morning of spirituality that served to put the person of Jesus and the Salesian charism at the very center of all Salesian services and activities, of both YM and MA. After moments of silence, meditation, reflection and prayer, the approximately 30 participants shared what to ask forgiveness for and what to thank for as regards their daily commitment.

The distancing or departure from the Lord and from the young, the distraction towards one's own parishioners, individual pride or pastoral timidity were some of the errors for which they apologized; at the same time the Lord was praised for the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Salesian communities and initiatives, and that the young, especially the most marginalized, continue to save the spiritual Sons of Don Bosco.

In the afternoon and in the evening, finally, the ideas that come from the last two Synods of Bishops were collected: Fr Patrick Antonyraj led the reflection on the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, the papal text that summarized the work of the Synod on young people, faith and vocational discernment; and Fr Martín Lasarte, who participated in the Synod on the Pan-Amazon region, spoke of the Congregation's missionary commitment among as many as 69 (out of about 350) ethnic minorities scattered across Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.

Source: AustraLasia

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