(ANS - Mumbai) - Youth Ministry, Social Communication and Missionary Animation are three strategic sectors for the Salesian Congregation which need to work in synergy with each other. This belief is the reason behind the meeting that is taking place these days in Mumbai between the Councillors of these Departments and the Provincials of the Southern Asia region, in the presence also of the Regional Councillor, Fr Maria Kanaga Arokiam.

The meeting opened on 1 March, with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr Fabio Attard, Councillor for Youth Ministry. In his homily he spoke about the Holy Year of Mercy. Later he chaired the first working session, which offered insights and ideas for tackling the challenges of ministry with and for young people today.

The next session was chaired by Fr Filiberto Gonzalez, Councillor for Social Communication. He showed the video for the closure of the Bicentenary, which the Rector Major had intended as a synthesis, and commented upon it. “Communication begins with the person and not with instruments of communication,” he said. He referred to the call of the Rector Major to be people "expert in humanity", rather than individuals too busy on their devices. He finally insisted on the selection of appropriate persons who are convinced of their vocation and their work, and the need to work in synergy between sectors.

On the morning of the second day Fr Guillermo Basañes, Councillor for the Salesian Missions, led the session. He spoke on missionary animation and best practices for the discernment and accompaniment of missionary vocations. In addition to recalling the importance of the special document drawn up on this issue, Fr Basañes underlined the missionary nature of the Salesian Congregation and the fact that Don Bosco was the first to send his best sons on the missions. Then he drew attention to certain traits necessary for missionaries: rootedness in Jesus and in Don Bosco, openness of heart and a spirit of service.

Published 02/03/2016