Also present were Bro. Jean Paul Muller, General Economer, Fr. Guillermo Basañes, General Councilor for Missions, Fr. George Menamparampil, from the Missions Department in Rome, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, the Salesian representative to the UN in New York, Fr. Timothy Zak, Provincial of the U.S. East-Canada Province, Fr. Mark Hyde and Jaime Correa from Salesian Missions in New Rochelle, Fr. Augustine Baek, newly appointed director for Salesian Missions, and Fr. William Ferruzzi, Director of the Salesian community in New Rochelle.
In January 2007, Salesian Missions, Inc, New Rochelle, NY, was approved for consultative status at the UN by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Since that time, the Salesians have been able to participate as a non-government organization (NGO) in discussions and activities in the international forum of the UN, working toward influencing policy and advocating for the rights of children and young people.
The agenda for the meeting on July 28 included a report on the processes followed this past year at the Salesian presence at the UN, a review of protocols and other documents related to this presence, and a consideration of processes and structures to sustain the presence. One of the highlights of this past year was the Salesian participation in side events during the high level political forum.
Looking ahead to this new pastoral year, the committee recommended improving the communication about the good work being done by Fr. Thomas Pallithanam at the UN, strengthening the understanding of the importance of advocacy throughout the Congregation, and creating greater synergy between the presence at the UN, Salesian Missions, the SUE province and other partners.
The meeting concluded with a festive dinner, with SDB confreres from nearby communities and the Salesian Lay Missioners welcoming the General Councilors to the SUE province.
By Jakeline Magalhaes
