Rwanda – Meeting of Provincial Delegates for Youth Ministry of Africa-Madagascar Region

16 September 2022

(ANS - Kigali) - A meeting of the Provincial Delegates for Youth Ministry of the Salesian Africa-Madagascar Region was held from September 12 to 15 at the Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Vice-Province Headquarters in Kigali, Rwanda. Led by Fr. Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, and Fr. Jose Lorbeth L. Vivo, member of the Sector for Youth Ministry, the meeting began with a Lectio Divina on the text of Mark 2:1-12. Afterward, the implementation of the topics covered last year was evaluated and several good practices developed in the various Circumscriptions of the Region were shared.

Among the materials provided, Fr. García Morcuende offered each province several copies of his book "Education is a Matter of Hearts," in which he explains the educational-pastoral model of Don Bosco's Salesians.

Three major themes were addressed. First, the presentation of the text "A Pastoral Care that Educates to Love." Educating in affectivity and sexuality is not a secondary issue, because these dimensions must grow in a serene and balanced way, given the great repercussions that the development of the affective bond has on human, intellectual, academic, social ... and religious development. Human sexuality must be integrated in a context of affectivity, love, and personal dedication. The Salesian educational-pastoral model offers some educational criteria that foster the personal growth of young people in something as important as the harmonious development of these areas.

Secondly, the document "Vocational Animation, Inspirational Principle and Horizon of Youth Ministry" was studied in depth. To discover oneself loved, called, and sent is the great challenge of the Church in these times in the face of a culture that does not favor these dynamics. In the reflection offered, some insights were given on how to create a "vocational culture" in Salesian homes, a habitat that fosters an understanding of each person in function of a mission entrusted by God; this is a fabric of values, a set of conceptions of life, a set of implicit criteria and a heritage of faith convictions and pastoral expressions.

Finally, attention was given to the development of the Salesian Provincial Educational-Pastoral Project (PEPSI). "Jesus did not speak to everyone in the same way and to those to whom He spoke He did not speak about everything. This makes us think of the pedagogy of Jesus who, as a good teacher, knew how to select and sequence what He would teach. Starting from this, we are invited to plan in 'Salesian-mode' our pastoral ministry," explained the General Councilor for Youth Ministry.

Other topics of dialogue and reflection included the accompaniment of the Salesian Youth Movement, the process of updating the Oratory-Youth Center in the Framework, the initiatives for the bicentennial celebration of the "9-Year Dream" planned for 2024, some information on "Don Bosco Tech Africa" and World Youth Day in Lisbon 2023, and the initiatives that the Youth Ministry Sector is promoting on Integral Ecology.

Finally, ample space was given to dialogue, fraternity, and the celebration of faith.

RELATED ARTICLE(S)

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes. By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements, you consent to the use of cookies. To learn more or to opt out, click "Further Information".