(ANS - Medellin) - About 700 people of the Salesian Family in Colombia participated, between 29 and 30 October, at the Pedagogy Congress of the Salesian Family entitled "Salesian Charism post-conflict". The Congress was held in Medellin and it was concluded by the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, who was visiting the city.

The congress was organized around three major topics:

• Civil Society and Salesian charism;
• Church and Salesian charism;
• Salesian Family and Salesian charism.

Each topic was dealt with in the main conference and at a round-table discussion led by three speakers, each with twenty minutes to share their thoughts.​

The meeting ended with a statement by the participants on behalf of the Salesian Family in Colombia, which has pledged to help alleviate the harm done to young people as a result of social conflicts.

DECLARATION

AS THE SALESIAN FAMILY OF COLOMBIA

- We are convinced that:

God is revealed in the faces of children, adolescents and young people, especially those most hurt by the socio-political conflict that exists in the country. He sends us towards them as messengers of forgiveness, mercy and unconditional love, in the style of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

The Salesian charism, inherited from Don Bosco, is a valuable contribution to peace education, and the formation of "good Christians and honest citizens", as people of integrity, sensitive and responsible in their situation.

The Salesian educational proposal for the post-conflict period focuses on a positive meaning and formation for Forgiveness and Reconciliation.

- We declare that:

If our educative activity is to start from the Gospel, within the Church, it must promote the rebuilding of the social fabric of Colombia and the dignity of human beings.

The spirit of Don Bosco continues to act in our lives and in our work of evangelization.

Our educational environments must be places of inclusion and respect that will build a community of life and a land of peace.

- We are committed to:

Encourage educational environments conducive to pastoral social transformation, the holistic development of young people, and the promotion of reconciliation and peace.

Continue to form, update and live the common Salesian Charism.

Dream that it is possible, necessary and urgent to promote reconciliation and peace, eliminating conformity, pessimism and indifference.

Published 06/11/2015