On a mission to the new shores

The First Missionary Congress was held for youth from Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay

Reunión; conferencista: P. Pablo Pol Journey; speaker: Fr. Pablo Pol Plenum; es spricht Pater Pablo Pol
Presentación Presentation Präsentation
Santa Misa en la capilla de San Isidro Holy Mass in the chapel of San Isidro Heilige Messe in der Kapelle von San Isidro
Compromiso Commitment Von bier aus... Jünger und Missionare
Generación misionera Missionary generation Die junge Generation Schönstatts ist missionarisch Fotos: P. Pablo Pol © 2007

ARGENTINA, Tomás Garzón, A commando from Cordoba joined the missionary group from Buenos Aires, and six months later, they launched their own group. Those from Salto and Tucuman joined their forces – and a few others that had been invited from throughout Argentina also came – to root themselves in the province Catamarca. In Paraguay, they are setting up family missions following the example of Chile, and in a few years they will begin them in Mendoza and La Plata. An apostolic history of more than decade is calling for plans for the future, and this call is heard among the youth of Father’s Region. This was the reason, more than 80 youth gathered at the Shrine of San Isidro for the first Schoenstatt Missionary Congress.

"It is the time for the laity!", Claudio Fiorucci affirmed vehemently. A few minutes before, he had narrated how he came to Schoenstatt, at the beginning of the ‘70’s. There were no missionary groups at that time. Now, he as well as each member of the audience –among them one of his children-participate in some of the twelve missionary initiatives in Father’s Region. His talk contributed the theory that was needed for the congress. However, the main objective of the journey was to provide time to reflect about this current of life that convoked more than 700 youth last year.

Together to reflect

On a sunny, autumn, Saturday, a member from each youth group (Boys’ and Girls’) presented their group’s mission through videos and or animations, accompanied by some comments. The atmosphere was filled with peace and joy, and at the same time one of a deep interest and commitment. Teté Angarami, leader of the Girls’ Youth from San Isidro, and Pablo Moria, a postulant in the community of the Schoenstatt Fathers, were the moderators for the congress.

The main exercise of the encounter took place in the work sessions, based on five different subjects: Films and preparation for the mission; Schoenstatt, the missions and their relationship with the Church; Spirituality; Characteristics and life style of the missionary; Activities with the community. The first session was on Saturday afternoon, after the talk by Claudio Fiorucci, and its purpose was to reflect about present day mission in relation to the subjects.

Some certitudes and much enthusiasm

"Remember that tomorrow you will be able to propose whatever you want", Guada Bravo stressed, who along with Pedro Fiorucci was leading the workshops. Surely, they knew very well that everyone wanted to project and think about new ideas. The next morning it was time to present their proposals. Of course, not all the ideas that were presented during the session received the same support.

Rather than specific conclusions for each workshop, all the participants of the missionary congress arrived to a consensus: it was worthwhile to have the congress. "We offer to host it next year", those from Cordoba said without hesitation. The advisors were also very enthusiastic at the conclusion of the encounter. "I feel very proud of the level of our youth", said Sister Sofia in her closing remarks. Father Pablo Poi, host of the congress, also expressed his enthusiasm for the future of "those who are seated in this hall", surely he could foresee great initiatives in the next years.

"The best part of the congress was the encounter with all the different people, but also the great commitment to change the world", Anita Saldaño, from Salta, affirmed. Matías Cerviño, the only participant from Uruguay, said that it was very important for the youth of the future in his country to see the experiences of each group. During the next months the true fruits of this initiative will be seen: When it is time to prepare everything for a new mission, wherever it may be.

Translation: Celina Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA