"We have before us the great challenge of addressing the high rates of poverty we are witnessing in America, and of doing it in a creative way, combining efforts and strengthening the network" were the words that Lina Varón, Operational Coordinator of the Salesian Social Network of America (RASS), said at the opening of the virtual meeting. The event, entitled "Moved by the hope of working in the Salesian network", gathered 73 people for two days - 1 and 3 June.
This sharing space fostered:
• The exchange of information to get to know each other better.
• The identification of development priorities of NGOs for Development.
• The visibility of America's current state from the perspective of the Provinces.
• The creation of closer links between the Congregation's different levels.
Fr Juan Carlos Quirarte, SDB, RASS General Coordinator, underscored that one of the objectives of promoting these meeting spaces is to "contribute to the Congregation through the analysis of our reality". Similarly, Fr Rafael Bejarano, SDB, member of the Youth Ministry Sector and Reference Person for Social Works, stressed that "the RASS must be a model, throughout the Congregation, of how a continent is able to unite to work together and show the strength of our charism in the world, together with all the mechanisms we have, as Provinces and Congregation, at the level of PDO, Development NGO and Mission Offices.”
As a commitment to their networking, RASS members proposed presenting more consolidated ideas and projects, which help to achieve evangelization and reduce social, economic and political inequalities. "We are sure that these days have encouraged us, as one single America, to continue a common journey as a network, to strengthen our mission to evangelize and reduce the social, economic and political inequalities of our continent," they said.
Salesian Social America Network
Youth Ministry Sector
