The meeting brought together those who had lived the missionary experience at the various Salesian houses of ARN, together with the Mission Animation and Volunteering team. Leading and facilitating the proceedings were the Delegate for Mission Animation, Salesian Brother Juan Pablo Tobanelli, and the VMS coordinator.
The event provided an opportunity to reflect on past experiences and plan for the future, under the motto: “Rethink and start afresh”. A survey on Salesian Missionary Volunteering indicated that the period following these experiences is the most challenging. Returning to daily life involves a time of readjustment and personal discernment, and it is precisely in this context that accompaniment takes on particular importance, so that the experience lived does not remain an isolated memory, but translates into concrete life choices, deeper convictions and a faith rooted in everyday life.
The discussion helped us understand that the mission goes beyond expectations, and involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone, breaking down barriers and opening up to new forms of encounter. As the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, once said – and was quoted during the meeting: “Before being teachers, we must be disciples; before teaching, we must learn; before giving, we must receive. The credibility of our message is measured by the authenticity of our experience.”
Voices bearing witness
The young people’s testimonies reflected the depth of their experiences and the impact the mission has had on each of their personal stories. Paloma Martínez, from San Juan, a volunteer in Formosa, said: “It was a gift from Don Bosco that I carry in my heart. When I think back on those days, I can only give thanks for having shared them with young people so joyful and dedicated to the life of the Oratory.”
From Corrientes, María Florencia Villordo emphasised the value of community: “No one is saved alone. The most powerful aspect was the moments of encounter and fraternity. Mary does not say ‘do it alone’, but ‘do it together.’.
For his part, Zamir Asme, a member of the organising team, highlighted the importance of these opportunities for dialogue: “They are necessary to continue growing on this path of service. The experience leaves a spark burning, with an even greater desire to continue and to share God in everyday life.”
A mission that continues
Far from ending with the return home, ARN’s Salesian Missionary Volunteer Programme aims to support and accompany the journeys unfolding in every young person, starting with the 57 young people who took part in the experience this year. In this sense, the provincial team for Missionary Animation and Volunteering has reaffirmed its commitment to being a point of reference before, during and after every experience.
The aim is to accompany young people and communities who feel a missionary calling, helping to ensure that the ‘spark’ kindled by the mission does not die out, but continues to illuminate choices, relationships and life plans. For, as was emphasised during the meeting, the invitation remains: to do together, as a community, all that he has said.
