We experienced the meeting in a great atmosphere of relationships, work, encouragement, meetings, and with the message to be “Cooperators of Hope” wherever we are. Over 150 participants at the beginning of the meeting welcomed our special guest, Blažka Merkac from Slovenia, the World Counselor of ASC for the Central and Eastern Europe region. In her speech, Blažka introduced our association in terms of the number of members and the distribution of regions. She then focused on our province, reflecting on the journey behind us, the one we are on now, and the path ahead of us. At the end of her speech, she also shared some thoughts on the anniversary year from our World Coordinator, Antonio Boccio.

This was followed by the introduction of the members of the Provincial Council, their families, and the sectors in which they work. The presentation continued with an evaluation of the activities and meetings of the Provincial Council over the past year.

In the afternoon, the members of the local councils were divided into ten groups, led by their patrons from the Provincial Council, where they discussed prepared questions concerning the reality and further direction of the individual centers. Then, the groups shared in a joint discussion about their joys and concerns, while also offering suggestions for improving relationships and the functioning of the centers.

After this program, we celebrated Holy Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary in Poprad, which is close to the hotel where our meeting took place.

The evening program was held in a family spirit, where our newly formed center in Banská Bystrica presented itself with a musical and entertainment program. Later, our provincial Peter Timko enriched us online with a few words. Afterward, there was space for conversations and sharing among the participants, and the atmosphere of mutual fellowship lasted into the late hours.

On Sunday, we started with Holy Mass, celebrated by our delegate Pavol Grach, who also addressed us in the homily. The morning program followed, where the members of the Provincial Council met with the responsible members of the local councils in their respective sectors: coordinators, secretaries, property managers, and those responsible for formation, youth, and family. They exchanged information to support their work in these areas. At the end of the meeting, there was an information block, where the new local councils were informed about activities, documents, deadlines, formation plans, and events awaiting us this year. An interactive feedback session about the overall course of the meeting also took place. After the final blessing, we moved on to lunch and concluded our meeting.

First of all, thanks go to our Heavenly Father, the Virgin Mary Help of Christians, and Don Bosco for their powerful protection during the preparation and course of this event. We also thank our world counselor, Blažka Merkac, for accepting our invitation and enriching us with her presence and deep address. Thanks to all the participants of our meeting for their effort, time, and mutual enrichment, sharing their joys and pains experienced in their centers. We leave strengthened in the hope that will not disappoint and which is always with us. It is Jesus, who loves us all.

František Goboňa, Provincial Coordinator