By Luis Chacon

In the heart of Madrid, a remarkable reunion recently took place that celebrated a decade of dedication, service, and the unbreakable bond forged by the Salesian Youth Volunteer program in the West of the United States. Since its inception in 2010, this program has been a driving force in empowering young individuals to make a positive impact on the world. The recent reunion, which brought together volunteers from different generations who had helped in SDB USA West Province, showcased the enduring impact of this initiative and the profound transformations it has catalyzed.

At the helm of this remarkable journey is Juan Carlos Montenegro, whose unwavering commitment and leadership have guided the program’s evolution. For over a decade, he has been directing and coordinating the Salesian Youth Volunteer program in the province of the West of the United States. Weeks ago, Juan Carlos, along with Luis Chacon, the program’s coordinator, extended an invitation to volunteers from various periods to participate in a special gathering in Madrid.

What unfolded during this transcontinental meeting was nothing short of heartwarming. Volunteers from 2010, 2017, 2019, and 2022 reunited in Madrid to share their experiences, stories of personal growth, and the lasting impact the program has had on their lives. Despite coming from different times and having worked in the Salesian Province of the West in the US, these volunteers discovered a common thread – the Salesian love and the mission that unites them across generations and geographical boundaries.

Juan Carlos Montenegro emphasized the importance of this familial bond that transcends time and distance, showing that even though these volunteers didn’t cross paths during their individual journeys, they are part of a larger family bound by shared values and experiences. In a world often defined by differences, the Salesian love has been a unifying force that shines through every story, every lesson learned, and every life touched.

The stories shared during the reunion were a testament to the program’s profound influence. Volunteers recounted how their experiences catalyzed personal change – from transforming their perspectives on life to nurturing professional and spiritual growth. Many regarded their time as volunteers as a pivotal moment that altered the trajectory of their lives, instilling values that continue to guide their decisions.

One such story is that of Mercedes, a former student at Comillas University. Inspired by the Salesian Volunteer program, she has embarked on a year-long journey of service as a long-term volunteer in Venezuela. Her decision reflects the enduring impact of the program and its ability to inspire participants to commit to a life of service beyond its initial duration.

Interestingly, the World Youth Day acted as a conduit for the program, connecting like-minded volunteers who shared a deep-rooted commitment to their faith and the Salesian mission. The spiritual dimension of their journeys further solidified the sense of unity and purpose among these volunteers.

As we reflect on this heartwarming transcontinental reunion and the journeys it represents, an invitation is extended to readers to join in prayer and stay connected with the Salesian Volunteer program. The stories emerging from this initiative are not just tales of service but testimonies of lives transformed. Each volunteer’s experience is a ripple that continues to reverberate, impacting not only the communities they served in the Salesian Province of the West but also shaping the course of their own lives.

In a world that often focuses on divisions, the Salesian Youth Volunteer program stands as a beacon of unity, reminding us that a shared purpose can transcend time, generation, and geographical boundaries. The reunion is a celebration of a decade of change, of hope, and of the enduring power of love – a love that binds volunteers together in a beautiful tapestry of service, faith, and human connection.