(ANS – Quito) – During a Mass attended by their families 22 young people were given their missionary mandate. Most of them were from Salesian Centres, 2 from the Salesian Sisters, and one girl from the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Before the send-off at the Data de Posorja retreat House (14-17 March), they had a preparatory meeting where candidates were given the chance to study and express their deep-down motivations and some of the doubts emerging from their choice.

Through personal interviews, the motivations that emerged focused mainly on their expectations. Volunteerism is:

• an expression of faith and religiosity;
• a way of realising their desire for service and social involvement;
• a tool for personal growth;
• a way of discerning their call;
• a way of gaining new experiences;
• a concrete way to be a missionary.

These motivations are all tied to processes they have experienced before taking the decision to serve as mission volunteers: most of the young people have had apostolic experience, brief group mission experience where they have had an opportunity for basic accompaniment by religious and other people in ministry who have helped them discern and make this choice. All of this is part of Youth Ministry today.

Families play a fundamental role in this choice too, since they allow their children to leave home as volunteers, and demonstrate two things: firstly the trust they place in their children; and the respect they show for their decisions and wishes which are part of their children's growth. In the end there is an entire family behind each person's choice.

And finally, the young people concerned have the basic elements allowing them to take up this experience, especially their readiness. Then there is the mission of the religious communities who accept them and help them to make it a vital experience of involvement and deep faith.

Published 26/03/2013