Leading the meeting were some Salesian Youth Movement members, Fr Juan Cárdenas, Delegate for Ministry with the  Shuar, Fr Ernesto Ankuash, and Sr Gisella. Also collaborating during these days were Luis Tunki, a Shuar deacon, and the “Etserin”, who are the catechists from each of the parish centres represented.

From the very beginning when the delegations began to arrive on foot, by boat or truck  there was a very joyful atmosphere at the Shuar Youth Congress. Coming from the different Shuar communities they were able to share their experiences as believers, receive various forms of help to enable them to become leaders in their own centres, examine the plans proposed for the activities at the beginning of the year  and deepen their own cultural values and commitment to the faith.

Work shops were held in various places in the Tuutin-Entsa community and the young people showed that they were very  interested, attentive and actively involved. The inhabitants of Tuutin-Entsa gave the young people some of their fuel to enable them to get around.

The meeting ended on Sunday 30 May with Mass at which Fr Ernesto Ankuash presided and the parish priests of Tuutin-Entsa concelebrated together with Fr Anton Odobriñak, from Taisha, and Fr José Delporte and Fr Juan Cárdenas, both from Quito. During the Mass 20 young people received the sacrament of  confirmation and five “Wea” (another name used for the catechists) received the mandate as Ministers of the “Iikratin” (Ministers of the sick. The young Shuar, happy with their own culture, cheerfully gave expression to it throughout the celebration.

After the group photos and a final meal the young people returned to their own communities, accompanied by their Leaders.
 
Published 23/06/2010