There were two items on the agenda: formation for the growth of the European coordinating group and the approaching World Youth Day in Madrid.
The consideration of formation helped the individual members focus their attention on the young, to feel their sense of belonging to the Family created by Don Bosco, to strengthen their commitment to making the whole SYM develop within the Church. Unity, mutual assistance, availability, dialogue and the sharing of initiatives in the group, especially if this is as extensive and diversified as is SYM Europe, are the fundamental attitudes to keep alive and effective the coordination of the SYM Europe and the Family spirit.
This formation process in the Assembly started from the three key words used by the Pope for the next World Youth Day: “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith”; a theme which was explored with talks, video and mixed group work by those present.
The meeting continued with the explanation given by the Spanish SYM of all the available information about the next WYD being held in Madrid in August 2011. Preparations, logistics, welcoming arrangements, the programme for the week ending with the Vigil with Pope Benedict XVI; useful and necessary information for those wishing to take part. Spanish SYM is already well prepared to welcome about 7000 SYM members from every part of the world.
There were also several informal moments for those at the Assembly such as visits to Salesian houses and to the cities of Péliföldszentkereszt and Budapest, with the young Hungarians who went out of their way to welcome and look after their European guests.
Published 01/12/2011
