(ANS – Madrid) – In the “San Jose” Retreat Centre in Madrid  the Xth course for  Delegates of the Salesian Family in Spain and Portugal has taken place. Between 25 and 28 July it was attended by the Delegates of the Salesians-Cooperators, of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) and of the Past Pupils about 115 people in all.
 
Each of the three groups of the Salesian Family followed the programme but in its own separate meetings devoting time to a consideration of the role of the Salesian Delegate in the light of its own documents and Don Bosco’s original idea. Then each group dealt with specific issues: the Past Pupils on their engagement in youth ministry; the Salesians-Cooperator on the Project of Apostolic Life and ADMA on Mary in the light of the Word of God.

Other items on the agenda each day such as daily Mass and prayer together as well as  a social evening at Aranjuez encouraged discussion and sharing together for everyone.

The closing talk was given by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Adriano Bregolin, who presented the Salesian Family Charter.

The Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, spoke to the assembly on the ‘phone and expressed his closeness to and affection for the groups of the Salesian Family.

Among those present including the speakers and guests were: Fr José Pastor Ramirez, World Delegate for the Salesian Past Pupils; Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni, as Spiritual Director of ADMA; Fr Giuseppe Casti, World Delegate for  the Salesians-Cooperators; Fr Paolo Santoni, World Coordinator Emeritus; and Sr Maria Trigila FMA, completing her term of office as Executive World Secretary of the Salesians-Cooperators.

Before returning home those taking part expressed their gratitude to the National Delegate for the Salesian Family of Spain, Fr Jesus Guerra, as he too completed his term in office, for the many years he has devoted to the Salesian Family with intense and effective service. He is being succeeded as National Delegate for the Salesian Family in Spain by Fr Luis Fernando Álvarez.

Published 31/07/2012