II Regional Meeting of Salesian Young Cooperators Leaders
The Salesian Cooperators of the Inter-American Region held their II Regional Meeting of Salesian Cooperators Young Leaders from April 11 to 14, 2024, in Posada Belén, Antigua Guatemala, with the presence of Antonio Boccia, world coordinator of the Association, who was accompanied by his wife Francesca.
In attendance were 71 Salesian Cooperators, 8 aspirants, the provincial delegate for Antilles Sister Basilia Ramírez and the SDB regional delegate Fr. Manuel Gómez. The participants came from: United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Hondur
The objective of the Meeting was to awaken and promote in young Salesian Cooperators the desire to transform their reality through the Salesian charism, attract more vocations and become agents of change to give continuity to the mission as an Association of Salesian Cooperators.
Fr. Julio Navarro, provincial of Central America, presided over the opening mass and then greeted the participants, wishing them growth in their Salesian vocation.
Under the inspiring motto “Young Salesian leaders: A dream, a promise and the future in our hands”, attendees reflected on the task of consolidating regional fraternity and future projection with new leadership.
Among the topics discussed are: living identity, inspiring experiences, enhancing skills, calls to add, challenges, without fear – walking together, the future in our hands, closing with commitments by province.
The theme was developed through talks and workshops that were held on a rotating basis. The speakers were from the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba and Mexico, all combining Eucharists, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Marian moment and fraternal moments.
A significant moment was the conversation with the world advisor for Youth Ministry, Fr. Miguel Ángel García Morcuende, SDB: Addressing global challenges and Youth leadership. During the conversation, 4 young Salesian Cooperators from Panama, the United States, El Salvador and Costa Rica asked questions to Fr. Miguel Ángel.
In addition to reflecting on the topics and workshops developed, the participants cultivated strong ties of fraternity in informal coexistence, as well as the strengthening of their Salesian vocation in the times dedicated to community prayer.
The meeting was in charge of the regional Secretariat and the logistics were in charge of the Salesian Cooperators of the CAM Norte Province, led by Guatemala. One of the significant moments was the tour of the beautiful city of Antigua Guatemala.
It was concluded by preparing a manifesto according to the content of the promise and the provinces defined three actions to give continuity to what was seen in the meeting.
At the closing, recognition diplomas were presented to all the workshop participants, speakers and the team that was in charge of the event.