Earlier, following the traditional prayer service, Fr. Fabio Attard, Salesian, welcomed the delegates of the Congress and challenged the delegates to open up new avenues and propose new strategies for the Youth Ministry, in the future.
Fr Angel Fernandez Artime, the Rector Major invited everyone to look at the Congress, not just as an ‘academic exercise’ but as an opportunity for new Educational, Pastoral and Evangelization life in the Youth Ministry. “We cannot leave the Family behind in our ministry with the young!” he said, and invited the delegates of the Congress to bring the wisdom of their nations and the richness of the respective cultures to make new relevant educational and pastoral action!
Alexander A Mello, invited all to renew the charism and build a close relationship between Youth and Family. “We are called to be Specialists of the Family!” he stated.