(ANS – Tlaquepaque) – Working for greater unity and national identity and to give more importance to the accompaniment were some of the decisions made by young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (MGS) of the United States and Mexico. Young animators and councilors of Salesian Youth groups and associations of North America met from 31st October to 4th November at the House "Cristo Buen Pastor" in Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

The "MGS North America Meeting saw the participation of over 60 young people from the Provinces of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, of the Salesians and of the United States and Mexico, 4 Provinces for both congregations, totalling 8 represented districts, who have counted on the presence of the respective delegates or assistants of Youth Ministry.

The meeting, which began on Wednesday, October 31st, was characterised by a climate of joy and sincere friendship, despite the language barrier – topped with simultaneous translation made by the participants themselves. The 5 days of work have been an opportunity to learn about the situation of each Province regarding the Salesian Youth associations, challenges and ongoing projects.

The main topics of the meeting were: Salesian Youth spirituality, social inclusion and the migration of young people and the participation of MGS in the Church, issues that have allowed participants to offer their help and suggestions for the MGS of the two countries.

The celebration of the solemnity of All Saints and the commemoration of all the Faithful Departed gave a special tone to the meeting, allowing the participants of the United States to meet some of the Mexican traditions relating to the memory of "those who have gone before us".

Saturday was devoted to a tour that touched on several points of the Guadalajara metropolitan area: the participants, divided into teams, stored a "photographic memory" of the tour, to serve as a testimony of the path actually taken.

After working for the Provinces and for nations, the formal conclusion of the meeting came with the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Fr Hugo Orozco, Delegate for the Salesian Youth Pastoral of Mexico-Guadalajara, at the end of which the participants could also express their own appreciation for themes or for particular people.

Published 08/11/2012