By Luis Chacon

On Sunday, June 4, some members of the Mission Animation Team of the Western United States Salesian Province had the honor of representing the Salesian Family Youth Center at Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish for the annual Mission Appeal. Juan Carlos Montenegro and Luis Chacon, members of the team, seized the opportunity to share the mission of the Salesian Charism and its profound impact on the lives of thousands of children and young people each year. This article aims to shed light on their experience and the significance of their message.

The Mission Appeal:

The Mission Appeal is a cherished tradition within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, offering religious congregations a chance to extend their work and mission beyond their centers. This year, Juan Carlos and Luis had the privilege of speaking about the Salesian Charism and how it is embodied in the Salesian Family Youth Center. Their presentation resonated with the parishioners, highlighting the transformative power of the Salesian mission.

Living the Salesian Charism:

Sunday, June 4, coincided with Holy Trinity Sunday, providing the perfect context for the Salesians to draw parallels between the Holy Trinity and their own charism. The Salesian Charism emphasizes the importance of relationships, mirroring the divine relationship within the Trinity. The Councils of the Catholic Church have affirmed that personhood is defined by the relationships individuals have with others. In the Salesian perspective, loving children and young people is not enough; they must feel loved. This belief underpins the Salesian assistance, also known as the sacrament of presence, which nurtures personal connections—much like the intrinsic relationships of the Holy Trinity.

Gratitude and Future Collaboration:

Juan Carlos and Luis express their heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Miguel Angel, M.S.C. for offering them the opportunity to share the Salesian Charism during all Sunday Masses. They were humbled by the warm reception they received and the openness of the parish community. Looking ahead, they anticipate collaborating with Fr. Miguel Angel in organizing confirmation and formation retreats for the youth ministry at his parish. This collaboration will further strengthen the ties between the Salesian Family Youth Center and the parish, ensuring that more young people can benefit from the transformative power of the Salesian Charism.

The Mission Appeal at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish was a significant event that allowed Juan Carlos Montenegro and Luis Chacon to shed light on Salesian Charism and its impact on the lives of children and young people. Through their presentation, they demonstrated the importance of fostering personal relationships, mirroring the intrinsic relationships within the Holy Trinity. The Salesian Family Youth Center continues to make a difference in the lives of nearly 2,000 young individuals each year, providing them with academic support and helping them find meaning and purpose. The collaboration with Fr. Miguel Angel opens the door to future endeavors, ensuring that the Salesian mission will continue to touch the lives of even more young people in the community.