Costa Rica – August 2024 – The Salesian Cooperators of the Inter-American region held their third annual regional training meeting virtually on Sunday, August 4.
With the theme “With Mary Help of Christians we strengthen our vocation,” Sister Lucrecia Uribe, world delegate of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for the Association of Salesian Cooperators, gave an inspiring presentation. Juanita Silva, regional formation manager, gave a warm welcome to all the participants, followed by some motivational words from Martín Calderón, world councilor for the region.
Sister Lucrecia began her presentation by highlighting three fundamental verbs that express the maternal presence of Mary in the life of Don Bosco: she indicated, helped, and supported. Mary pointed out to Don Bosco his mission among young people, gave him constant help, and supported him, especially in the founding of our Family. In addition, Sister Lucrecia spoke about the significant presence of Mary in the Project of Apostolic Life.
At mid-day, small group sessions were held to address three questions: A word that defines the relationship with Mary. What gestures do they use to relate to Mary? The favorite Marian biblical quote. Upon returning to the general hall, participants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras shared the answers to these questions, reflecting in the rooms on their relationship with Mary.
Later, testimonial videos were presented about the life of three Salesian Cooperators on the way to the altars and their relationship with Jesus and Mary: Nino Baglieri, Blessed Alexandrina Maria Da Costa and Vera Grita.
At the end of the presentation, Sister Lucrecia motivated the participants to deepen their relationship with God through Mary, recognizing that we always walk hand in hand with her. Martín closed the Meeting by inviting everyone to let themselves be guided and accompanied by Mary Help of Christians, especially in this year of renewal.
More than 170 people participated via Zoom and many more through Facebook, from the 13 countries that make up the region. Salesian Cooperators from the Iberian, South Pacific and Southern Caribbean regions also joined in.
Some Salesian Cooperator centres met to watch the broadcast together.
The opening prayer was led by Diana Acuña from Costa Rica, and the closing prayer was led by Stanley Palacios from El Salvador.