Brazil – Animation Visit to São Paulo of General Councilor for Youth Ministry concluded

25 May 2023

(ANS - São Paulo) - From May 18-25, Fr. Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, visited the "Mary Help of Christians" Province of Brazil-São Paulo (BSP). He animated an entire day of the quarterly retreat of the Directors, Pastoral Coordinators and Economers of all 19 houses of the Province. A retreat that was divided into two parts: the first focused on the various areas of community life, the second on the Salesian's prayer life.

He celebrated the Eucharist with the youth of the local councils of the Salesian Youth Movement and the Provincial Delegates of Youth Ministry (PG) from Brazil. During the meeting, attended by about 300 young people from all houses, Fr. García Morcuende recalled the meaning that Jesus still sends to young Christians today: "Go, make disciples and baptize." In that same meeting, at the end of the celebration in the auditorium, he offered a formative moment to all young people. Thus, he invited them to bring to life the Oratorian criteria of the 21st century: a home that welcomes, cares for and is supportive; a school that educates and provides tools for life; a courtyard as an open place of continuous encounter and re-encounter; and a Church that accompanies them to celebrate and deepen their spiritual experience.

A meeting was held on the afternoon of the 21st with the 6 PG Provincial Delegates from Brazil. There was a personal assessment of the work done by each Delegate and the priorities being pursued. The General Councilor also offered some guidelines on how to coordinate processes; manage the delegate's personal life; foster good relationships with local communities; take solicitous care of Salesians and lay people during visits; and encourage, accompany and promote communication and integration of different aspects of Salesian pastoral ministry.

He also gathered with the provincial pastoral team, noting a well-structured organization. The province has a good experience of working with well-trained lay people rooted in the charism, many of whom are involved in local and provincial animation and management. Teams are well established in all sectors and works, with professionals bringing to bear their pedagogical, pastoral, administrative and management skills.

With the heads of delegations, commissions and provincial teams, Fr. García Morcuende held a training session on the role of the Salesian in the Educational-Pastoral Community (CEP). He also celebrated the Eucharist in the Lapa House at the "Pius XI" Theological Institute and asked the Salesians in formation to have the feelings and attitudes of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The core of his reflection was "pastoral charity": the love of the shepherd. He encouraged them to be pastoral agents of outreach, with that apostolic impulse to seek God and bring His message (the Gospel) to young people. Pastoral charity is like fire: if it is not communicated, it goes out.

Among other things, he was able to visit the Provincial Center, the Museum, the Unisal Rectory, the "Abrigo" social project, and the presence of Santa Teresinha and Itaquera. On the 24th, feast of Mary Help of Christians, he celebrated a solemn Mass with lay collaborators in the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" parish. Finally, he gave interviews to Canção Nova and Catholic television station "Rede Vida."

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