By Victoria Figueroa

My name is Victoria Figueroa, and I was recently hired at the Province Youth Ministry Office and given the great opportunity to attend the Religious Education Congress 2024. I had only attended Youth Day as a chaperone. The Congress weekend was an excellent chance for me to be surrounded by many people who are proud of their faith and looking to celebrate together in Christ. Each day of Congress brought me new realizations and a deeper understanding of my faith. 

Day 1) Sacred Space: Adoration & Prayer 

There are few times in my day-to-day life where I find an opportunity for prayer and reflection. As a college student and employed person, I find myself constantly in a rush, cramming for a test, or simply trying to find the time to hang out with friends. It’s difficult for me to find time for traditional prayer and adoration. 

The first moment at Congress I felt Christ’s presence was during the adoration made possible in the Sacred Space. Entering this space was powerful. I found an opportunity to sit in prayer with Christ. The Sacred Space was also set up to allow people to view art from young people in the diocese and to walk prayerfully through a labyrinth meditation. I opted for the walk. Entering the maze, I reflected on the Salesian mission and the gifts given to me. How can I use those gifts? What can I share with others and the young people in the province? 

I left adoration and this time of prayer feeling at ease and regenerated. I am eager to learn more about the Salesian Mission. I am truly excited to make change and ignite progress in this province as part of the Province Youth Ministry Office. 

Day 2) Prayers to Mary Help of Christians

Lately, I have been intentionally learning more about the Salesian story and have begun to read the Memoirs of Don Bosco. I find Don Bosco’s relationship with Mary to be so beautiful. His devotion to her, taught by his mother, inspires me. 

The Salesian booth allowed people to write down a prayer petition and post it on ribbons attached to a Mary Help of Christians statue. At the booth, I was tasked with accompanying those writing and posting a petition. I remember seeing the faces of the event’s participants walking past and glancing at Mary. They were struck by her beauty and presence. Many were eager to enter our booth and write down a prayer. At the weekend’s end, there were hundreds of prayer petitions. 

Day 3) Salesian Ask: “What is your dream for young people?” 

The Salesian Family Booth highlighted the Strenna at the RE Congress this year. The Salesian Cooperators headed the interactive activity where we asked congress participants to write down their dreams for young people. Many responses resonated with me, and the devotion of faith moved me. 

I was most impacted by a group of young adults that stopped at our booth. Their answers were so insightful and expressed the need for a loving community. On the third day of Congress, I was on a mission. I am twenty years old. I have wanted to find a young adult group in my area that is on the same path in their faith. 

I attended an interactive session for young adults. At that session, we were tasked to create care packages for people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. I was quite intimidated to attend a session alone, especially one so interactive. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to connect with anyone. When the activity began, I met great people, and we hit it off. I realized that my experience at that session reflected the dreams that those other young adults at the booth expressed. Young people need community and love. They need a community centered on Christ and love for our faith.

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My very first RE Congress was great, and I look forward to attending many more. As a young adult, I am constantly trying to find a space where I can learn more about my faith and feel proud to be Catholic. 

The Salesian Family is filled with spirit, energy, and devotion to their mission with the young. Working in the Congress Booth as a recent hire and new face to the Salesians, it was incredible to be welcomed with open arms into the Salesian Family. I was surrounded by consecrated and lay Salesians who all serve together in a mission for the young. As a young person seeking to become a Cooperator, it was incredible to see them living the mission and spreading Salesian spirituality. 

Congress helped me understand the importance of this year’s Strenna and how impactful the Strenna can be: young people and adults who dream of a Church filled with love, kindness, and acceptance.