On 14th January, under the guidance of Fr. Fabio Attard, President of DBI and General Councillor for Youth Ministry took place the General Assembly, with the presence of Bro. Jean Paul Müller and Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus, General Economer and Regional Councillor for Europe-North. Mr. Angel Gudiña, executive secretary presented the many activities developed during 2018, from Don Bosco Feast in January, until the projection of LOVE Documentary (Misiones Salesianas) or hosting many Salesian delegations such as SYM Europe, Don Bosco Social works from many European countries.
As well, an economic report was given by Fr. André Penninckx, administrator of DBI that highlighted the high added value that DBI provides to Don Bosco and its mission, with limited, but very well used, resources. Finally, the assembly ended up sharing the work plan for 2019 and the new initiatives carried out by DBI such as the advocacy strategy to reach Roma youth in some Salesian Provinces and the involvement on a post-Synod discussion with COMECE (Commission of Bishops’ Conference in the EU).
After the General Assembly, another meeting was held, gathering several experts of the Salesian Social Services from Italy, France, Germany and Malta (Spain was absent due to other commitments) for the Expert Group on Poverty & Migration. This group has already produced several materials and reflections bringing their field experience to political messages to be advocated and shared in Brussels on behalf of the Salesian Congregation.
Among the topics discussed were the figure of the volunteer guardian (based on Italian Law – Legge Zampa) and the possible translation of Strenna 2018 on Listening and Accompanying young people from vulnerable backgrounds, focusing in which of social and political demands are required to match of this preferential group for the Salesian mission.
In this group, we counted on the presence of Fr. Daniel García, as world coordinator of Salesian Social Services and Fr. Martin Lasarte, from Missions sector that it is responsible for the communication with the Holy See Migrants & Refugees’ section, and leads the reflection and advocacy on migration in the Salesian Congregation.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sezioni-eventi/item/7178-rmg-dbi-general-assembly-and-expert-groups-reviews-2018-and-plans-2019#sigProIded27edc90d
