Meeting to Study Salesian Missionary Volunteer Programs

Meeting to Study Salesian Missionary Volunteer Programs

(ANS – Rome – March 8, 2024) – A meeting of Salesian Missionary Volunteer programs, a collaborative effort between the Missions and Youth Ministry Departments, began with 2 days of profound engagement and learning. Participants from around the world gathered to deliberate on the Salesian Congregation’s volunteer programs, with more updates anticipated as the meeting unfolds.

Day One: Delving into the Salesian Volunteer Identity

The 1st day was dedicated to exploring the identity of the Salesian missionary volunteer. Anchored in the Congregation’s core documents and enhanced by insights from a doctoral thesis encompassing feedback from 428 Salesian volunteers, the attendees engaged with the “Volunteering in the Salesian Mission Manual.” This segment fostered a deeper understanding of what it means to embody the spirit and values of a Salesian missionary volunteer.

Day Two: Formative Experience and Synergistic Partnerships

On the 2d day, the focus shifted to the formation of all stakeholders involved in the volunteer program. The session spotlighted the long-standing success of Ecuador’s volunteer program, which has been active since 1972 and sends about 80 volunteers annually. This discussion inspired a rich exchange of best practices and reflections on the formative aspects of the program.

Later in the day, the interaction between laypeople and Salesians was examined. A panel of lay members and SDBs shared their partnership experiences, which led to an open forum in which participants discussed their concerns, successes, and commitments related to their collaborative efforts in missionary work.

The Symbolic Salesian Missionary Volunteer Cross

The 2 days of dialogue concluded with the presentation of the Salesian missionary volunteer cross. This emblem serves as a symbol of unity and commitment, encapsulating the shared dedication of the young volunteers who are central to the missionary volunteer experience.

As the meeting called forth by the Mission and Youth Ministry Departments continues, further insights and developments are expected to emerge. These initial days have set a strong foundation for continued exploration and growth in the Salesian missionary volunteer initiatives. Additional information will be shared upon the conclusion of the meeting, highlighting the collective wisdom and future directions gleaned from this remarkable gathering.

The New Rochelle Province was represented by Adam Rudin (in photo, top row, 4th from left), and the San Francisco Province by J.C. Montenegro, both well-seasoned veterans of lay missionary programs.