(ANS – Madrid)– From 6 to 8 June, a meeting took place in Madrid of the Council of the Spanish National Confederation of Salesian Past Pupils.  According to its statutes, "the National Council is the highest governing body of a deliberative character and meets at least once a year. It is the representative assembly of the Past Pupils’ unions, associations and federations. In it, Associations and Federations reinforce their sense of belonging to the National Confederation through co-responsibility in the leadership of the whole federation."

The event, which was held in Madrid, was attended by about 75 past pupils, male and female, from six regions of Spain.  It was coordinated by Fernando Arce Nunez, National President, and Fr Fernando Luis Alvarez, National Delegate, and was moderated by Mr Jesús García.

On the evening of 6 June information was given on institutional decisions and resolutions relating to the Fundación Juan Bosco Siglo XXI and the budget for the coming year was presented.

On the following morning the National Delegate presented his annual report, which showed an overall balance. There is a strong sense of belonging to the Confederation,  and Don Bosco is seen as a father. He is the central figure who ensures the identity of the Past Pupils. The services offered by the provincial, regional and local delegates are greatly valued. The report on the Fundación Juan Bosco Siglo XXI was presented,  and also reports on formation, the role of woman, and communication.

In the afternoon, all the participants went to the Salesian House at Atocha to attend the meeting of the Salesian Family with the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.  He told the participants that it is essential "to know and love the Salesian Family and open our doors to them, while respecting their autonomy and share responsibility with them to ensure the growth and identity of individuals and groups of the Salesian Family."

In the evening the Regional Delegates met separately with the National Delegate, and Regional Presidents with the National President, to agree on the agenda for the next day and plan for the next year.

The Sunday Eucharist was presided over by the Rector Major and concelebrated by Fr Stefano Martoglio, Councillor for the Mediterranean region, the two new Provincials in Spain - Fr Cristobal Lopez and Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy - and the Provincial and Regional Delegates.

The work continued with the presentation and discussion of the report on the European Congress of Young Pupils (EuroGex), by Carlos Córdova,  National Vice-President of Young Past Pupils, and the presentation of the report of the National President.

The meeting ended on Sunday at noon with a brief exhortation from the World Delegate of the Past Pupils, Fr José Pastor Ramírez. He invited all those present to live the values ​​of integrity and change. "You win the hearts of the people when you help them to grow.”

Published  10/06/2014