(ANS - Mogofores) - From 30 June to 4 July, about twenty young people from different vocations groups in the Portuguese Province participated  in the "Encounter with Don Bosco",  as part of the National Summer Programme. The meeting took place at the Salesian House in Mogofores, the city where the  National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians is located.

The theme of the meeting was Vocation to Happiness. The reflection and prayer were undoubtedly the most important part of the meeting and helped the participants to reflect on their lives and their relationship with God. A lot of attention was paid to the daily reading taken from the writings of Don Bosco to his boys. This  helped the participants  to understand some aspects of Don Bosco’s relationship with the Lord and how they might live in their own situation.

Particularly enjoyable and enriching was the visit to the community of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Ponte de Vagos, in the town of Aveiro. The young people were warmly welcomed, with joy and generosity. This helped them to understand better Mother Mazzarello’s example of holiness and gave them a good insight into the situation of the Salesian Family in Portugal.

In addition to all these activities, the participants also had the opportunity to make friends with each other and with the Salesians, and to relax, play and enjoy a walk amid the beauty of nature. They also enjoyed the last day, when Fr Artur Pereira, Provincial of Portugal, was present. He presided over the concluding Eucharist.

The encounter with Don Bosco was enjoyed by the young people. They all said they were looking forward with joy to participating in the next meeting.

Published 14/07/2014