(ANS – Cordoba) – The National Meeting of Salesian past-pupils, took place in Montilla, from 26th to 28th October, an appointment that has gathered over 40 young people to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the group Young Past-pupils (GEx) and the Centenary of the Association of Past-pupils. The central theme was the theatre and its relation to the Preventive System of Don Bosco, but there was also space for training, prayer, sharing of experiences and a visit to the city of Montilla.

The meeting began in the evening of Friday 26th , in the presence of the Mayor and the Councillor for the youth of Montilla, both members of the Salesian Family. The Director of the opera, the Salesian Cooperator Gabino Carmona, stressed the importance of the groups of the Salesian Family in the animation of the works, quoting especially the example of Montilla. The day ended with a ‘Good Night’ given by the National Delegate for the Salesian Family, Fr Luis Fernando Álvarez, who spoke about the New Evangelization.

On Saturday 27th , Antonio Salas, expert on theatre, spoke of the educative aim Don Bosco entrusted to theatre and of the applications that one can take today. In the afternoon, the speaker encouraged the participants to show their skills on stage and, from those, to draw pedagogical and educational conclusions. As a ‘follow up’, the Provincial, Fr Francisco Ruiz, presided at the Eucharist.

By means of two letters, Fr José Miguel Núñez, Regional Councillor for Europe West, and Fr José Pastor Ramírez, World Delegate for Past-pupils were also present. The day ended with a charity concert in support of the project for children in situations of social exclusion, developed in Montilla by the Foundation "Proyecto Don Bosco".

In conclusion, the Meeting of GEx took place, in which Carlos Cordoba, National Vice-President of GEx, explained the objectives of the course. Upcoming activities were also planned and the successes and difficulties encountered by each group were shared.  Angel Gudiña, Vice-president of World GEx, revealed the news of the World Confederation. The meeting ended with a visit to the Basilica of Saint John of Avila, appointed just days before as a Doctor of the Church.

Published 09/11/2012