(ANS - San Salvador) – On Sunday 29 June at the Institute of Mary Help of Christians in San Salvador, sixty-seven representatives of various groups of the Salesian Family and the Salesian Youth Movement in El Salvador, came together for a Leaders’ meeting. The purpose of the gathering was to draw up a programme of formation for the Bicentenary year of the birth of Don Bosco, which will begin on 16 August.

The sixty-seven  participants represent twelve groups working in the country: the Association of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Sisters, Daughters of the Divine Saviour, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Salesian Cooperators, the Volunteers of Don Bosco, the Salesian Past Pupils, Damas Salesianas, Caballeros Don Bosco, Volunteers with Don Bosco, the Apostolic Union of the Divine Child and the Salesian Youth Movement.

Activities began with the Eucharist, celebrated together with the young people of the Oratory. This was followed by various activities to get to know each other and create a family atmosphere.

Fr Mario Aldana, Coordinator of the Formation Commission for the Bicentenary, introduced the purpose of the meeting and the formation plan to be followed during the bicentenary year.  This plan includes the fraternal, prayerful and apostolic dimensions of the Salesian Family as well as missionary, social and ecclesial vocations. He also presented the calendar of activities.

Subsequently, the various participants were divided into six groups representing their areas of origin. Each group reviewed and reflected on the material received, deciding which aspects of formation to focus on, and how the celebrations would be organized in their own area in relation to their reality. The ultimate goal is to make a significant contribution in every place where the Salesian Family is present.

After lunch, each group discussed the document in plenary session and elected four representatives who will attend the next meeting at which the plan will be developed for each specific area. The meeting enabled the various group leaders to meet and establish contacts.

The Formation Commission is made up of two Daughters of the Divine Saviour, one Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, one Salesian, one Volunteer of Don Bosco, three Salesian Cooperators and two members of the Salesian Youth Movement.

Published on 07/07/2014