Krakow (Poland). From 22 to 25 November 2023, the meeting of the Salesian Family Delegates of the Central Northern Europe Region was held in Krakow, at the Theologate of the Salesians of Don Bosco, attended by about 40 Delegates from different European countries: Poland, Slovakia, Czech Rep. Belgium, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ukraine, Austria.
As for the other three continental events, the meeting was prepared and coordinated by the Salesian Family Sector of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco: Fr. Joan Lluis Playà, SDB, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Secretariat of the Salesian Family; Sister Leslie Sandigo, FMA, General Councilor for the Salesian Family; Sister Lucrecia Uribe, FMA, ADMA World Delegate and the Salesian Cooperators; Mr. Domenico Duc Nam Nguyen, SDB, World Delegate for Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators. Also present was the Delegate of the World Confederation Mornese FMA Past Pupils, Sister Gabriela Patiño Osorio.
The objectives of the meetings are to share and reflect on the reality of the Salesian Family in the Region and the synodal service of animation and accompaniment; to deepen the contribution that the charismatic identity is called to offer in a changing world, in the light of the Identity Card; promoting a renewed relationship between the Salesian Family and Youth Ministry; living an experience of communion and spirituality that strengthens the mission and shared formation; take concrete steps on the path to be followed for the Region on the basis of reflection and good practices.
The speakers of the morning were: Fr. Pavol Grach, SDB, Delegate for the SF of the Eastern Europe Region on the theme “Regional Vision of the SF”; Fr Johannes Hass, SDB, Delegate for YM on the theme “The charismatic identity in a changing world”; the FMA Sector on the theme “Animation workshops and accompaniment of the SF”; Fr. Rafael Bejarano, SDB, of the Dicastery for YM on “Youth Ministry and Salesian Family”.
In addition to the group work, in the afternoon the participants had the opportunity to know the “good practices” in the field of the mission of the different Groups of the SF and the presentation of the current situation.
Despite the difficulty in sharing and mutual understanding, due to the many languages and cultures present, the Delegates sought to identify some priorities they wish to assume as a Region.
The moments of fraternity and the outings, walking in the city of St. John Paul II, contemplating the artistic beauties and the Polish culture, and enjoying the typical cuisine of the place, contributed to making the participants feel as daughters and sons of God in the great Salesian Family that walks together for the salvation of young people.
