All those present – Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Provincial Delegates for Youth Ministry – discussed the guidelines to be jointly highlighted in order to make the charism even more dynamic and visible within the African context. Under the coordination of Fr Jerry Matsoumbou, SDB, coordinator for the two Salesian Regions in Africa and Madagascar, and Sr Constance Chanda Nsofwa, FMA coordinator for Africa and Madagascar, the delegates discussed two main themes:
1. Young people at the heart of pastoral commitment in Africa
Collaboration with young people, by young people and for young people: this is the path to follow, always in a synodal manner, to continue making the charism shine in Africa. For the participants, this involved, following a provided outline, sharing best practices regarding initiatives coordinated together for the good of young people. Subsequently, a reflection took place, with concrete proposals, on the animation of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) as an expression of youth leadership in pastoral animation, but also as a sign of a collaboration that places young people at the centre as active participants. In this regard, various proposals were put forward for effective regional coordination of this vital and prophetic experience.
2. Remembering the past to rekindle apostolic passion
The second item on the agenda involved an in-depth reflection on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Project Africa, following the same dynamic as the meeting of SDB Delegates in December. In an atmosphere of fraternity, listening and mutual enrichment, the SDB-FMA Provincial Delegates emphasised the need to reflect on, live out and celebrate this event with a spirit of faith and gratitude to the Lord for the Salesian charism on the continent. Various proposals were put forward to set in motion processes that can help us fully embrace this moment of grace.
This first regional meeting of SDB-FMA Delegates was made possible thanks to the support of the SDB General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr Rafael Bejarano, as well as the two SDB Regional Councillors for this part of the Congregation: Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Central and West Africa Region, and Fr Innocent Bizimana, Councillor for the East and South Africa Region.
“May the intercession of Mary Help of Christians accompany the future of this experience of communion, for the good of young people” was the wish expressed by Fr Matsoumbou at the end of the gathering.
