(ANS – Fusagasugá) – The Continental meeting of Youth Ministry Delegates for the Americas met from 21-26 October at the Salesianum House of Spirituality, Fusagasugá, in St Peter Claver Province Bogota (COB). The meeting was held under the aegis of the Youth Ministry Department.

The main objectives of the meeting included reviewing the schedule for provinces belonging to the Interamerica and America South Cone regions so they could plan new pastoral directions for the coming six year period.

Fr Fabio Attard, General Councillor for Youth Ministry praised the generosity of the Bogota Province for its welcome as well as the readiness of Salesians who took part to accept a range of new commitments.

The America South Cone region decided to explore a range of issues in view of the Brasilia meeting planned for 21-26 October 2014:

1. The Youth Ministry Delegate (in his role as Animator and manager);
2. Method and approach;
3. Listening to the situation (appeal from young people);

Likewise the Interamerica region, looking at the 2008-2014 period, proposed:

1. Taking up what has not been completed thus far;
2. Measuring the impact of major issues;
3. Resuming meetings of Oratories and Parishes, the planning of formation curricula and houses of spirituality;
4. Studying and exploring “Civilisation of love – Planning and Mission” (CAPYM) with their teams;
5. Studying the 3rd draft of the Youth Ministry Framework;
6. Improving relationships and collaboration with Planning and Development Offices for improved mission planning;
7. Accompanying and monitoring coordinators of Planning Offices regarding the 9th Haiti Meeting.

The meeting also included time to visit and get to know activities in various nearby Salesian works, such as the Postnovitiate and Juan Bosco Obrero, Valsalice, Leo XIII, Child Jesus, Don Bosco Foundation, Don Bosco Centre, Casa Pinardi and “Agua de Dios”, where Blessed Luigi Variara carried out his mission and founded the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts.

Published 31/10/2013