Over 400 people took part in the event held on Saturday 23 October in Madrid with the motto “reading the life of the young; writing the pastoral paths to follow”. In addition to the Rector Major of the Salesians, among those present were Bishop José Ignacio Munilla, from the Episcopal Commission for the secular apostolate; Bishop Javier Salinas, from the Episcopal Commission for education and catechesis; and the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela. Also present were the Bishop of Vitoria, the Salesian Bishop Miguel José Asurmendi Aramendia, Archbishop José Manuel Estepa Llaurens former Military Ordinary, and various representatives of ecclesiastical institutions including the President and the Secretary General of CONFER, representatives of FERE-CECA and the editors of other magazines.
For the occasion the theatre of the “Saint Michael the Archangel” Salesian Institute was filled with a large number of Salesians, including Fr Jose Miguel Núñez, Regional Councillor for West Europe, all the Salesian Provincials of Spain and the Provincial of the Madrid Province of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians with a good number of her Council.
In his address Bishop Munilla emphasised how the magazine “Misión Joven” had been “a witness to the many changes in culture and in the Church” and in a valuable way had accompanied the process of “being among the young”. Bishop Salinas, who also mentioned that he was a Salesian Past Pupil saying – “I saw Don Bosco as a light on my journey” – described the magazine “Catequistas” as “an initiative of formation with a wealth of suggestions for formation in catechesis” and he also read a congratulatory letter of greetings for the anniversary from the Episcopal Commission for education and catechesis.
On his part, Fr Núñez, pointed out how the two magazines “come from the heart of the church” in order to express “the commitment to evangelisation which is the foundation of the Salesian mission.”
Fr Alvaro Ginel, Editor of “Catequistas” described how the magazine started, as the result of a dream, of the curiosity and of the efforts of the Salesian publishing house CCS; its purpose had always been to train catechists, represented by the idealised catechist “Rosita the hairdresser,” who needed training in her life, her knowledge and in carrying out her task: providing formation, material, but also, Fr Ginel suggested, making its contribution so that every catechist “might have Jesus in her heart.”
The present editor of “Misión Joven”, Fr Luis Fernando Gutiérrez, praised the work of his predecessors and of the many writers who over these 50 years had collaborated with the magazine. The Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Rouco Varela then spoke about the presence of the Salesians in his diocese and expressed his admiration for Saint John Bosco. “The history of the Church in Spain without the Salesians would be unthinkable” he said, as he referred to their strong presence n the country and to their work in education and other areas.
At the end of these addresses, the Rector Major gave a talk entitled “Bringing the Gospel to the young today,” with some proposals for the renewal of youth ministry. Fr Chávez began referring to the contribution of the magazines as the “written presence” and as “an open place for discussion.” Then he encouraged those involved in youth ministry, first of all to become disciples of Christ in order to be his apostles and to bring the young people closer to the Church and to Jesus. “In the renewal of ministry, “ he said, “it is necessary to begin with the centrality of Jesus Christ.”
The ceremony ended with some musical items by the Youth Group “Amorevo”, from the Salesian centre at Paseo di Extremadura.
Published 26/10/2010
