Thursday, September 26, 2024.
At 6:30 p.m., the Provincial Coordinator of Paraguay, Mrs. Reina Funes, addressed a few words to the participants, inviting them to begin with a prayer of thanks at the feet of Don Bosco and Domingo Savio, after which the standard-bearers of the 4 countries led a procession to the meeting room, singing the emblematic “Candombe del Oratorio”.
Once located in the room, the host Provincial Council was introduced, thanking them for the opportunity to host this Meeting and making themselves available for any need.
Next, there was an introductory greeting, and they invited Sister Lucrecia Uribe, World Delegate of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for the Association of Salesian Cooperators, to address a few words to the participants. The religious women and priests who accompany us in this Congress were also introduced.
Miguel Zevrnja, World Councillor, spoke about the MEETING, drawing a parallel between The Word and the PVA. He spoke of “Taking off one’s shoes to enter into the life of one’s brother. Calling him by his name “Welcome”
World Coordinator Antonio Boccia addressed a message to everyone through a video in which he pledged his prayer and encouraged those present to commit themselves to the theme of this Congress “becoming experts in accompaniment”
Finally, Sister Marciana Toledo, president of CICSAL and Inspector of Paraguay, is invited to give the traditional Good Night greeting, to then leave the freedom to enjoy a moment of exchange or go to rest.
During the congress, the preparation process for the 150th anniversary of our Association will be seen in different ways
Friday, September 27, 2024. REMEMBER
The Secretary of the S R, Sergio Yañez, gave way to the greeting, on video, of the World Councilor of the Iberian Region Borja Pérez who expresses his view on “accompaniment”, “presence” and “renewal” as keys to our mission as SSCC.
Next, Sister Marianela presented the topic to be discussed “SALESIAN SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT” and its scope. Father Alejandro began his presentation with a brief description of the accompaniment and then showed the dimensions and purposes of Salesian Spiritual Accompaniment according to our PVA. There were questions to share.
Then Father Alejandro resumed his presentation “Spiritual accompaniment as a ministry”. After it, work was done in groups and then the sharing was done.
Then five participants answered questions giving testimony of their experience of accompaniment: Emma and David (married couple) Father Dionisio, Lucía and Alexis.
Before starting the afternoon block, a video was shared sent by Martin Calderón from the Inter America Region who predicts a good Congress and blessings for the brothers.
Later, the topic “Don Bosco Accompanied/Companion” was presented by Margot, Ángela and Pilar who after their presentation, invited a new group work focused on some of those who accompanied Don Bosco’s path:
The next presentation was given by Marlene, vocalist of the Canción Nova Community, on the topic The Family Today.
Saturday, September 28, 2024. RENEW
Domingo made an introduction to the topic presented by Margot on Family Realities, the preventive system and the family of Don Bosco as a starting point in accompaniment.
Then came the time for Alejandra and Natalia to present the interpretation of the dream of the 9 years with gestures. This moment was characterized by the game, the joy in the yard… A fun Oratorian day was held.
At 3:00 p.m., it was the turn of the World Delegate of the SSCC, Sister Lucrecia Uribe, who presented the topic “Embracing with Love the Irrenunciables” in the light of the PVA.
Next, Sister Lucrecia took the floor again to end her presentation, inviting questions or sharing thoughts.
Later, there was a moment of Eucharistic adoration and then the Holy Mass presided by the Inspector of Paraguay, Father Néstor Ledesma.
To end the day on Saturday, a special evening was shared at tables set up outdoors where we enjoyed a delicious dinner. All the delegations prepared artistic numbers and exchanged gifts at a large bonfire that resulted in a true party.
Goodnight was said by the “Emeritus Councillor” Ramona Salinas
Sunday, September 29, 2024. RELAUNCH
The Regional Secretariat met with the Animators of the Regional Consultation.
At the end of the days worked, an activity was carried out in which the tree that accompanied us throughout the Congress was seen “blooming”. Strengths and weaknesses were shared, with much gratitude in the words of the brothers, time was given to prepare the bags for the return, before the Eucharist.