(ANS – Machala) – The sending-forth ceremony for the “Costa Volunteers 2026-2027” was celebrated on Sunday 22 March 2026, at the Church of the Divine Child in Machala. The Mass was presided over by Fr Marcelo Farfán, Superior of the Salesian Province of Ecuador (ECU), and concelebrated by Salesians from various houses across the country. On this occasion, 26 courageous young people received their letters of obedience and began a mission of service that is renewed year after year through their generous “yes” to God’s call. During his homily, Fr Farfán reminded the young people that volunteering is a journey and a concrete experience for growing in faith and as disciples of Jesus. Furthermore, the Provincial emphasised that the meaning of volunteering lies in learning to love those in need and those who are weak, and that this entrusted mission takes on meaning when it becomes an act of love that generates life. During the Eucharist, Fr Mauricio Leime, Delegate for Youth Ministry, addressed a message to the group of volunteers: “Remember that this experience is an encounter with God, a spiritual growth, but above all a proclamation of the young God through young people.”