Coordinated by Fr Rafael Borges, from the Youth Ministry Department, the main purpose of the event was to review the working criteria in use in the Region since 2006. In addition the consultation document sent by the Departments for Youth Ministry and Formation regarding the project for aspirantates was examined and the contributions from the Region prepared.
A videoconference held with Fr Fabio Attard, Councillor for Youth Ministry was very encouraging since it dealt with the more important aspects of the accompaniment of the young from the point of view of a vocation culture with special attention to the vocation to Salesian life. In his talk the Councillor emphasised that only a meeting Christ and the Gospel can be the firm foundation of a vocation culture for the promotion of the Salesian vocation.
During the meeting the importance of a spiritual guide for the young was also emphasised and the point made that working in this area could be a form of vocational guidance within Youth Ministry. There was the presentation of the “Strategies and resources” which vocation promoters have available to them to promote vocations to Salesian life in each of the Provinces.
In discussion it was noted that in some Provinces many young people are interested in becoming Salesians; the type of proposal put to young people was mentioned; the various types of material and resources available were highlighted; the value of net working by those engaged in vocation promotion was also pointed out.
The meeting showed how the Delegates are involved in a serious and professional approach to promoting vocations in the various Provinces. In assessing the meeting the Delegates were very positive and took up the invitation of Fr Borges to promote vocations in the context of a vocation culture and to undertake vocation work as part of general youth ministry.
Published 12/04/2011
