Today for me, tomorrow for you!

Argentina’s Northeastern Regional Leaders’ Meeting

Capitalario Five provinces together Fünf Provinzen tagten gemeinsam
Los Coordinadores Diocesanos de Resistencia, Chaco, Flia Colombo The Diocesan Coordinators of Resistencia, Chaco Die Diözesan-Koordinatoren von Resistencia, Chaco, Ehepaar Colombo
Coordinadores de Obera, Corrientes, Chaco e integrantes de la rama de Mujeres profesionales y Misioneros de la Campaña del Rosario de Chaco, con el Padre Javier Arteaga Coordinators of Oberá, Corrientes, and Chaco, members of the Professional Women’s Leage, missionaries of the Campaign from Chaco, with Fr. Javier Arteaga Koordinatoren von Oberá, Corrientes und Chaco sowie Mitglieder der Berufstätigen Frauen und Missionare der Kampagne aus dem Chaco mit Pater Javier Arteaga
Escenario de la jornada Stage Bühnengestaltung
Logo de jornada Logo of the Meeting Logo der Tagung
Rama de Mujeres Profesionales y Campaña del Rosario de Resistencia, Chaco,con Hna Elsa Maria Members of the Womens’ League and missionaries of the Campaign from Resistencia, Chaco, with Sr. Elsa María Berufstätige Frauen und Missionare der Pilgernden Gottesmutter aus Resistencia, Chaco, mit Schw, Elsa Maria Fotos: Cecilia Espíndola © 2009

ARGENTINA, Gabriela Bernasconi. On June 20^th and 21^st, the first Regional Conference for leaders from northeastern Argentina was held in Oberá, Provincia de Misiones. Everyone agreed that it was a good idea to hold regional conferences, since this not only makes it possible for a larger number of people per diocese to attend, but it is also good to know about the nearest communities with which they can share other conferences in the future in which they share experiences and help each other. Father Javier Arteaga, who presided at the Conference and was the main speaker, insisted on the latter: "Today for me, tomorrow for you!"

This conference left all with a great idea and a task which is favorable for everyone: Each one of the communities has a gift, which perhaps the other communities might need, therefore, they can place this gift at the service of the rest of the NEA and in this way they can grow and become a flourishing Marian garden about which Father prophesized when he traveled through the province of Misiones. The Oberá community was the host, and they deserve a chapter for themselves, since they took care of everyone with extraordinary kindness and affection. Their effort and the dedication to the work of each activity were noticeable; this included the meals that were served family style. We truly experienced a family spirit. Thank you Oberá.

The country needs us!

The highlight of the Conference, which was prepared by Sister Elsa Maria, was undoubtedly the Father and Founder’s footsteps through Argentina especially through Oberá. At the end, she invited everyone to make Father’s dream for this land a reality. Everyone was convinced that they have a mission, that Father left them a mission, and undoubtedly he has given them the grace to carry it out…

In view of the Bicentennial, the talk on Sunday had the title, Argentina’s Hope. What kind of country do we want to be, and what country do we want to leave to those who come after us: a country where truth, justice, and love reign. They sealed the Bicentennial Pact in order to lead towards this great ideal that they offered during the Holy Mass, which concluded the Conference.

There was much discussion on the way home. Hearts and minds were full of ideas and desires: "we must found the Nation again…" May this Bicentennial be not only another celebration, a boutonniere on the lapel, a religious, civic act, but remembering the country needs us, something has to change, and we have to begin with ourselves!

Translation: Celina Garza, USA/amj