(ANS - Los Teques) - Yesterday, 20 November, saw the opening in Los Teques of Study Days on the First Proclamation of Missionary Discipleship in America and the Caribbean. This brings to a conclusion a programme that was started two years ago in Europe by the Departments for the Missions of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. This programme was designed for the six-year period 2008-2014 to study the theme of First Proclamation in the different continents.

The meeting was attended by over seventy members of the two Salesian congregations and by the two Councillors for the Missions, Fr Václav Klement and Sr. Alaide Deretti. Fr Alfred Maravilla and Sr. Maike Loes, members of the respective departments, had already been chosen to act as moderators.

TheRector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, wrote in his message to the participants: "From Aparecida, the Church assumed with increasing awareness and responsibility the task of forming disciples and missionaries of the Lord Jesus that the people of this continent might have life in abundance. (...) As Salesians we are called to grow in this common human vocation, in communion with the Church and its mission, which is an expression of communion with God and his mission."

The meeting used the workshop methodology. It included three sessions: a first devoted to analysis of the American and Caribbean context for first proclamation; a second which gave time for reflection; and the last for drawing up conclusions.

Contributions included: a talk by Dr Ali Enrique Gonzalez on the challenges posed by religious syncretism in America; a talk by Fr Attilio Ignacio Hartmann SJ on issues raised by secularization; an intervention by Fr Antonio Arocha on the transition from the First Proclamation to the Faith; and a focus on the opportunities to be found in Salesian environments, with Sister Gloria Garcia Pereira, FMA.

On each working day, space will be found for group discussion, to promote the exchange of information, best practice and insights on the subject. Each participant will have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings, reflecting the diversity of experience in different situations.

As at previous regional events, the addresses given during the meeting, the conclusions reached, and various proposals for action will be published later in the Acts - together with various other important contributions including those of the local Bishops.

Published 21/11/2013