Ascending Life Chronicle (Excerpt from the magazine "Tres pilares" of Vida Ascendente Spain)

Meeting of trainers and animators

On November 14th and 15th, this meeting of trainers and animators, which the Permanent Commission had prepared with a lot interest was held in Madrid,

The program of the meeting had two very important papers.

The first one. Pray in the light of the word of God, presented by Mgr. Arturo Otero, graduate in Spiritual Theology and with a great pastoral experience in the subject: spiritual exercises, attention to seminarians, conferences, courses and meetings of biblical formation ... He presented the Bible as "the letter of God" for me; «A you to you of God with each person» "Someone who loves me make his all what  happens to me.

The second. Psychology of the elder, presented by Maria González, graduate in psychology and professor of music with a large experience in both specialties, highlighting her dedication to help social integration of people with social problems, economic, unemployment, immigrants. And, above all, with a special sensitivity to the world of the elderly. «Old age is not going backwards». «We must look to the future with an open, hopeful look». "We are in a good moment to remember our history, what makes us more human, in solidarity with others, and caring about others."

These papers can be consulted on the website vidaascendente.es

In addition to these two presentations there was an exhibition about The Animator, by our president, Álvaro, who treated the issue with clarity and his proverbial love of the movement , encouraging everyone to serve and accompany the members of the groups with solicitude, dedication and with "a lot of love".

There was also a presentation of the script "Take your shoes off, the time to pray" , made by its author, which has had a good reception according to the statements of the attendees.

All the presentations and exhibitions had then spaces for colloquium and participation, as well as meetings by groups to promote coexistence and highlight the most relevant aspects. In the end these groups met, with a small questionnaire, to draw conclusions of the meeting.

José Ignacio Figueroa, general counselor, led the prayers of lauds and the beginning of a working day with some specific reflections that helped us to live them with a serene joy and open to hope. José Maria Castaño, secretary general, oversaw the organization and José López, treasurer, attended the not pleasant, but necessary, economic aspect.

Ángel García

«These meetings bring to the movement coexistence, friendship, knowledge and spirituality. And they highlight the mission of the animators that is so important, since without them it would not be possible to grasp the meaning of the movement ".

Inma Canet.