JAMBOREE Des Neiges Quebec – Canada

The Jamboree des Neiges was held in Quebec on Dec. 27, 1999 – January 1, 2000. Some 2,400 young delegates from 35 countries took part in it. There was a spirit of brotherhood and optimism in view of the new millennium and the work done referred to the rights of young people, the environment and social inequalities. The Jamboree participants submitted a draft resolution to the National Quebec Meeting including the main concerns of young people at present. A very significant interconfessional celebration, particularly for the participants in this Jamboree, was held. To sum up: it was an enriching experience for service, brotherhood and life in the open air.

FEBRURAY

MEETING OF THE WORLD SECRETARIAT

The World Secretariat met in New York on February 3-6. The Meeting was attended by General Secretary, Enrique López, Assistant Secretary General, Baldur Hermans and Roberto Linn, World Chaplain Msgr. Richard LaRocque and the World Treasurer, Fausto Piola. The following was the Order of Business of the Meeting:

1. Assessment and projection of Durban 99: seminar and world council.

2. Renewal of Council members (world and regions)

3. Treasurer’s report and budget. Rome headquarters.

4. Assessment and projection WOSM-CPL-ICCS

5. 2000-2002 Action Plan.

6. ICCS communication and publications.

7. Preparation of the next Permanent Committee in Berlin.

8. Sundry matters.

The Chairman of the National Catholic Committee of Scouting from the USA, Robert Oldowski, participated in this Meeting as a guest. Father Bob Gugillermoni, former US National Chaplain, attended the Meeting.

Catholic Committee of Ecuador

The Catholic Committee of Ecuador has a National Chaplain: Father Bruno Galas. The working plan for the year was approved. Such plan involves the following events: National Diagnostics Seminar; creation of a national team for catholic action, several jubilee meetings, one per region.

Scouts Canada

Scouts from Calgary, Canada, organized a 2-day activity for young Catholics. They went through an experience that helped them to live their faith in scouting.

36^th Conference of the National Catholic Committee of Scouting of the USA

The biannual Conference of this Committee was held in Richmond, USA on April 25-29. It was attended by over 250 participants.

Meeting of the Permanent Committee – Berlin, Germany

The members of the Permanent Committee met in Berlin on April 28 – May 1 to discuss the following Order of Business:

- Report by Regional Secretaries. Each Secretary reported on the situation of his region and future plans.

- Assessment of Durban 99. After reviewing the resolutions the specific steps for their approval were implemented.

- Relations with Pontificium Concilium pro Laicis-ICCS-WOSM. The Secretary General reported on the last instances.

- Saint George Brotherhood nominations. Brotherhood Secretary, Mr. Claude Troser, reported on the present members and the regulations.

- Project for 2000-2002 ICCS. Work was done on the project, its priority items and its application up to present.

- Changes to the Charter and bylaws. Roberto Linn was entrusted with the coordination of the proposal to amend the bylaws and a plan was approved to study the Catholic Charter.

- Rome headquarters and Treasurer’s Report and Budget. The 2000 Budget was approved.

- Replacement of World Chaplain and Regional Chaplains. Msgr LaRocque reported on the candidates to replace the present Regional Chaplains and announced the appointment of Father Bernard Gilles as Regional Chaplain, Europe Mediterranean.

Meeting of the Inter-religious Scout Group. Geneva, Switzerland.

This working group met on May 8. It was chaired over by WOSM Secretary General, Jacques Moreillon, and attended by Enrique López Viguria and Andrea Biondi on behalf of ICCS. This was the third meeting of this group and it discussed several issues of common interest. An agreement was reached for the Bureau of World Scouting to prepare a document on Scouting and Spiritual Development.

- The Religious Program of the 11^th World Moot to be held in Mexico in 2000 was studied as well as the 20^th World Jamboree to be held in Thailand in 2002-2003.

- Information about the following events was shared:

a) Future world and regional scout events of interest for the Inter-religious Group.

b) World Youth Seminar. Rome, August 14-20, 2000.

c) Seminar in Belen (DESMOS).

d) Mount Sinai Scout Camp (IUMS).

Meeting of ICCS Secretary General with AGESCI-ROME

ICCS Secretary General met with AGESCI and other Catholic Scouts Associations of Europe to coordinate activities during the Seminar particularly the ICCS and the ICCG Evening to be held on August 17.

Meeting of the Regional Committee

The meeting of the Regional Group of ICCS-America was held in Montevideo, Uruguay on June 10-11. Its agenda was the following:

            * Once... USA, Texas

            * Seminar in El Salvador (October 11-14)

            * 2000 Easter Meeting

            * Activity about Saint Francis on October 4

            * Pan American Jamboree in Brazil, January 2001

            * Inter-American Conference in Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2001

            * Proposal for activities for the 3-year period (2000-2002)

6. Publications to be made at regional level (2000-2002)

7. Regional Chaplain. Study of candidature for new Regional Chaplain. The following three Chaplains submitted their candidatures:

        - Father Leo LeBlanc (USA National Chaplain, 1992-1994)

        - Father Randy Cuevas (USA National Chaplain, 1995-1998)

        - Father Tom O’Brien (a member of the U.S. Catholic Committee at present, specialized in finance).

          The Catholic Committee of Uruguay also submitted a candidate, F. Luis Fariello, to work in the Region. He is available for the position.

8. Candidates for Saint George Brotherhood (If you have a candidate please let me know as soon as possible to submit his candidature at the meeting of ICCS permanent team in Berlin).
9. Rover Moot, Mexico (July 11-23). Contribution to religious animation. Report on contacts made.
10. Various proposals: * Web page

* Extended Regional Committee

New Regional and World Chaplains

Father Leo LeBlanc was appointed Chaplain – America Region on July 1. He replaces Father John Fischer. Father Bernard Gilles was appointed for the Europe Mediterranean Region, Father John Lee for Asia-Pacific Region, and Brother Martial for Africa Region. The new World Chaplain, Msgr Robert Guglielmonte was appointed by the Holy See for a 4-year period.

11^th World Scout Moot, Mexico

This Moot was held in Mexico City on July 11-24. It was attended by many young people from all parts of the world. It was a very interesting experience and presented the challenge of working with the hope that the Movement will be faithful to its Promise and the Law where each individual can discover the call of God to work a full and committed life to build a more just and solidarity-based world. The event was held in 5 headquarters: Hidalgo, Puebla, Michoacán, Querétaro and Morelos. Lastly, all participants returned to the Moot Villa in Teotihuacan, Mexico City. There was a team from ICCS that worked in the Moot Catholic Animation formed by Father Pedro Olea (Italy), Rodrigo González Cao, Fabián Grasetti, Claudio Salvador (Argentina), José María Marisquirena (Regional Sec.) and the Chaplains of the delegations from France and Portugal, Father François Cordier and Father Manuel Silva respectively. The team formed part of the Moot religious animation team coordinated by Ezequiel Agüero. There was a good working spirit trying to implement plans in the best way possible. The Moot religious animation program had planned a prayer quarry in each headquarter for religious services for prayers, cults, etc. Each headquarter implemented its proposal and developed it differently. There were many difficulties but they were overcome with hard work and good will. It was possible to celebrate the Eucharist or a Celebration of the Word in some headquarters. Making cmpatible the program offered with the religious animation program was a task that required a lot of energy. On July 16 an inter-religious event was held. Its development and animation were different depending on the headquarter. The last 3 days of the Moot were spent at Teotihuacan headquarters in Mexico City. A prayer quarry was implemented where all the creeds present offered their services to participants. A stand to disseminate the ICCS task was set up at the world village in the WOSM religious area. Every day of the last 3 days the Eucharist was held at the chapel in the Moot Villa in a different language: Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. Priests took shifts to serve the Reconciliation sacrament. The team in charge of the kitchen and the dining services asked us to celebrate the Eucharist for its members at a time when they were available. Father Pedro Olea held the Eucharist twice with this numerous and warm team. In the afternoon of July 22 the Final Eucharist was celebrated for all catholic participants in the Moot. It was very dynamic and had a very participative liturgy. The Moot program had not included these celebrations so their implementation and the participation and of the young people had certain difficulties. The participation of Ezequiel Agüero and Jean Cassaigneau were very important to implement them. Lastly, in the morning of July 23 an inter-religious ceremony was held where all the members of the inter-religious Mexican Council took part. This Council is formed by all representatives of religious organizations in Mexico. The Moot motto "Tradition for tomorrow" raises many challenges regarding the role of religion in the education of the individuals that form part of our Movement. To make the scout program become an educational proposal that can help individuals to enrich their souls, integrating values, ideals and making a commitment with their faiths is one of the most important challenges to face in order to build a more fraternal and fair society.

The following is the Plan for Religious Animation and Catholic Animation of the Scout Moot:

PLAN FOR RELIGIOUS ANIMATION OF THE SCOUT MOOT:

Program for the religious animation of the 11^th World Scout Moot

General Objective

To accompany, support and celebrate the faith of the participants to the 11^th World Scout Moot in a dialog with the religions present in the event.

Time for Prayer

Prayers will be daily for each international team. Each member will offer the rest his way of expressing his faith.

Information Guide

Each participant will receive information with the places and time for the services of the various religions to be held at the Moot Villa and in the other 5 headquarters.

Inter-religious Service

It will be held in the morning of July 23. Each religion present at the Moot as well as the scouts will participate actively in the service. It will be a time for prayer and meditation related with the Moot topic and activities.

Prayer Quarry

There will be a Prayer Quarry at the Moot Villa and in the three headquarters with fixed camps. Each religion will have an adequate and specific place in the quarry in a natural environment. The Ministers or qualified individuals will serve the religious needs of Moot participants. The Quarry will also be a place where participants can pray.

Acts and Ceremonies

The religious dimension will be present at the Moot Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as in each headquarter.

Dissemination

Religions with a consulting status at the World Scout Organization may disseminate their activities in a stand especially set up to that end. The stand will be served by those responsible for the religions and by volunteers of the organizing association.

Coordination Team

The team will be coordinated by Ezequiel A. Agüero and there will be a member from each religion present at the Moot.

PROGRAM FOR THE CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS ANIMATION OF THE 11^TH WORLD SCOUT MOOT

General Objective

To accompany, support and celebrate the faith of all Catholics participating in the 11^th World Scout Moot in the light of the invitation made by the Holy Father to celebrate the Third Millennium in a dialog with the religions present in the event.

Information Guide

Each participant will receive information about the places and time of services and celebration that will take place at the Moot Villa and in the other 5 headquarters.

Celebration of the Eucharist

The Eucharist will be held daily, on Sunday and mass. Daily celebrations will be held at the chapels of the Prayer Quarry at the Moot Villa and in the headquarters. They will be held at the most convenient time for each of them according to the Program Module where they have to participate.

The Eucharist for Sunday 16 will be held at the headquarters and the mass Eucharist has been programmed for Saturday 22 in the afternoon.

Animation by Headquarter

There will be a priest for each headquarter. Priests will be responsible for the religious animation of the headquarter and at the same time they will coordinate the work of the chaplains that accompany participating delegations. Each headquarter will have the necessary elements for celebrations such as: altars, chalices, cruets, hosts, altar cloths.

Liturgical Texts

A Missal and a Lesson Book will be prepared with all the texts for the celebrations to be held at the Moot. Such texts will be available in the official languages of the Moot: English, French and Spanish.

Chapel at the Prayer Quarry

Service will be permanent at the chapel located at the Prayer Quarry at the Moot Villa. There will be priests at all times to celebrate the Reconciliation sacrament and to talk with those wishing to discuss these matters apart from a daily celebration of the Eucharist at a fixed time.

The World Chaplain or whoever he may appoint will be responsible for the operation of the Prayer Quarry.

Together with the chaplains, the central animation team will take shifts to serve the reconciliation sacrament on a permanent basis. Evening prayers and the adoration of the Holy Trinity has been taken into account every day.

The chapel decoration will be the following:

Images of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Icons of the Holy Trinity

Jerusalem Cross with the image of Resuscitated Christ

Tabernacle with the Holy Trinity

Special decoration

Before the Jamboree

All participating associations will be sent information to prepare their participation in the catholic animation activities of the 11^th World Scout Moot.

7^TH International Youth Forum, Rome, Italy

The "Pontificium Consilium pro Laicis" organized the 7^th International Youth Forum on August 12-15 attended by young people representing ICCS.

15^th World Youth Seminar. Rome, Italy

The World Youth Seminar was held in Rome on 15-20 August. It has been held every two years since 1985 as set out by the Holy Father.

ICCS and ICCG Evening. On the occasion of the World Youth Seminar in Rome, a great Evening for girl guides and scouts was held on August 17. It was promoted by ICCS and ICCG and all members of the national associations of girl guides and scouts that were in Rome were invited to participated. The Evening was organized by AGESCI and worked on the topic of debt cancellation for developing countries within the Jubilee spirit.

The topic proposed to the young girl guides and scouts of the world was an invitation to "Have the courage to face the future" according to the spirit of JMJ based on John Paul II’s letter and particularly on these topics: Alliance, Reconciliation, Charity, Freedom, Value: the value of being the Saints of the new millennium.

5^th National Catholic Conference – Argentina

The 5^th national Catholic Conference was held on August 12-13 in Buenos Aires under the motto "Jesus, the bread giving life". Regional Secretary José María Marisquirena and Julián Domergue, a member of ICCS Regional Team, participated in this Conference. There were delegates from various dioceses. Work was very intense and effective. Among the topics discussed the following may be highlighted:

- Analysis of a religious policy of the Scouts of Argentina. The work of Catholic Religious Advisors and the articulation of the canonical bylaws of COPASCA and the General Regulations of Scouts of Argentina.

- In-depth discussion of some identity elements of the Catholic Spirituality and its inculturation in the Scout Movement.

- Teaching of the Catholic Church about Ecumenism, its application criteria to the Religiously Heterogeneous Scout Groups and activities in districts, areas and at national level of Scouts of Argentina.

Mr. Roberto Bonifacio, National Pastoral Commissioner, and Msgr. Roberto Rodríguez, National Chaplain, met with the Regional Secretary to discuss the steps to take in the region to start building a scouting that is more committed to our reality, more committed to the construction of a more fair and solidarity-based society.

CONECTATE 2000 –Scout Movement of Uruguay

This national event was held at the sports grounds of Escuela Germán Sellera near the city of Pando on August 25-27. Delegates from Scouts of Argentina, the Catholic Scout Movement of Spain (MSC) and the Association of Scouts of Spain (ASDE) also took part in this event.

The National Catholic Commission participated actively contributing to the religious animation and carrying out activities and celebrations for all participating Catholics. The motto of Conectate 2000 was "Everything is ready; the water, the sun, the mud but if you are absent there is no miracle". There were workshops, debates and gatherings to discuss topics related to the transformation of society, educational options and religious options in the Movement.

Celebration of Saint Francis Day – America Region

October 4 was proposed as a day to celebrate Saint Francis’ Day in all the Region according to the reality of each Association within the framework of the Jubilee and the beginning of the Third Millennium.

Meeting of the Executive Secretary of CELAM Youth Section

Julián Domergue met with the Executive Secretary of CELAM Youth Section, Father Armelin de Souza Andrade, in Buenos Aires on October 6. They discussed matters of common interest involving pastoral tasks for young people in the Americas, ICCS mission within the Scout Movement and the integration of Movements in the Group Pastoral.

It was agreed that it was necessary to develop a larger communication and implementation of actions to join efforts and make the pastoral task more efficient.

Jubilee large event – Girl Guides and Scouts of Costa Rica

The National Catholic Commission of the Girl Guides and Scouts Association of Costa Rica organized a walk on Sunday October 8. It was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist at Aserrí Church within the framework of the Jubilee. All members of the Association were invited to participate in this event.

Regional Seminar. San Salvador, El Salvador

A Regional Seminar attended by delegates from Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay was held in the city of San Salvador on October 11-14.

José Ma. Marisquirena coordinated the team formed by José A. Warleta and María Izabel Tongú and responsible for the Seminar organization. Juan Francisco Cócar and Ronald Castro, Chairman and Head Scout of the Scouts Association of El Salvador respectively, supported this event in particular setting up a team of local collaborators that looked into all the details of this event.

The agenda discussed was the following:

Catholic animation in the Scout Movement.

International Catholic Conference of Scouting: organization, purpose, tasks.

Organization of a Catholic Commission in Pluriconfessional Associations: general guidelines, spiritual animation plan, and catholic commissions in America.

Catholic animation in an association/scout group: objectives, contents, programming (scout program), materials, etc.

Catholic animation activities in a scout group: specific elements for the activity work.

Work dynamics: The Seminar will be organized as a workshop that will allow for sharing experiences and elements among the participants for their catholic animation task within the Scout Movement.

Date and Time: Thursday, October 12 at 9 a.m. until Saturday, October 14 at 6 p.m.

Venue: Casa de Retiro Monte Alvernia, Fundación Hermano Pedro.

The pleasant surroundings and the fraternal atmosphere made it possible through the work dynamics developed there to share views about the various tools to develop catholic animation programs. The Steering Committee of the Association welcomed the team in charge of organizing the Seminar discussing issues related to the event and to ICCS. We believe this is an important step forward for this part of our Region and that there are several elements to disseminate ICCS work.

National Meeting of the National Catholic Commission of Uruguay

This Meeting was attended by delegates from various dioceses. It was held in Colonia del Sacramento on October 28-29. The following highlights the extensive Order of Business of this Meeting: preparation of the contributions for the catholic animation at the National Camp that the Scout Movement of Uruguay will hold in January 2002; the catholic illumination of the methodologies for the various branches. The following members of the Steering Committee of the Scout Movement of Uruguay participated at the Meeting: Dr. Héctor González, Chairman, Gabriel Fernández, Executive Director and Sebastián Rodríguez, Finance Director. Regional Secretary of ICCS – America, José María Marisquirena, a member of the Catholic Commission of Uruguay, presented information about ICCS. The Associate World Secretary, Roberto Linn, sent a message to the Meeting since he could not attend it.

World Congress for the Laity