Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Francisco (Agenzia Fides) – 16 February saw the closing of the “Salesian Youth Summit 2009,” held at “Camp St. Francis” in Aptos, California. The Summit was an important event for reflection and training of youth and was attended by about 70 young people, who focused on themes like immigration and human trafficking and the right to asylum. The encounter was organized by the Salesian Province of West United States (SUO) and the 4-day event was led by Brother Al Vu, SDB, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry. Fr Timothy Ploch, the new Provincial of the Salesians in the West United States was also present.
The encounter showed the important aspects of a civil and moral education, according to the style of Don Bosco, and at the close of the Summit, a declaration was issued in which the participants promise to carry out a series of concrete initiatives on a personal, familiar, and ecclesial level with the Salesian Family and the social community. Initiatives included: approaching local politicians to petition the Federal Government to put in place new legislation concerning the undocumented immigrants; asking Salesian houses in the Province to set up support programs for immigrants; promoting through voluntary service accompaniment for immigrants in their integration in society; supporting fully the Catholic Church’s condemnation of human trafficking. (DV) (Agenzia Fides 20/2/2009)
