(ANS – Cochabamba) – From 9th to 13th February, about 140 people, including male and female Religious from the Salesian Family and representatives of youth groups in Bolivia, attended the National Meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), at the Don Bosco -Fatima retreat house, Cochabamba.

On the evening of the first day of the Assembly the participants were greeted with a cultural event called "Around Bolivia", presenting dances and traditions of each region represented.

The official opening of the activities occurred on Sunday 10th February, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to Bolivia, Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, who wanted to give a greeting and a message to the young people. Also present were the Superiors of the six Religious Congregations of the Salesian Family in Bolivia – Salesians, Salesian Sisters (FMA), Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Daughters of the Divine Saviour, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who welcomed and encouraged all those present.

The central theme of the Assembly was the message of the Strenna 2013, studied with three reports in three days: the Salesian Provincial, Fr Cristobal López, talked about being "good Christians and honest citizens". Sr Edith Franco, recently appointed FMA Provincial, spoke on the "Pedagogy of kindness"; while deacon Diego Villalobos, developed the theme of "Return to the youth".

The objectives set for the meeting were reached through the active participation of the participants,: project presentation SYM 2013-2015 and the subsequent start of processing of regional plans; correction and approval of the SYM Regulations; and, finally, after serious discernment, the election of a new National Youth Council, which saw Alvaro Acho, from La Paz, assigned the role of Coordinator; the Deputy Coordinator, Heidy Camacho, Cochabamba, and Secretary, Isabel Aponte, Santa Cruz.

Other liturgical and festive activities completed the experience of the four days. On the final day, participants indicated the 4 priorities taken as commitments for the next two years:

1. To be disciples and missionaries of Christ's love, nourished by the Gospel of joy and listening to real needs, in order to inform the young people that the Lord entrusts to us;
2. To strengthen formation processes in Salesian works, taking on the care of youth;
3. To have a well-established project at the regional level, which spreads, is fulfilled and can provide the same formation course for groups in the Association;
4. To experience communion by sharing the Salesian charism and enriching the diversity of the gifts and the experiences with the Church at large.

The second National SYM Assembly closed with the Ash Wednesday Mass, celebrated by Fr. López, who urged young people to live their commitments with resolution and consistency

Published 20/02/2013