(ANS - Buenos Aires) - From Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September, about 7000 young people from the 131 Salesian houses in Argentina participated in a National Youth Meeting on the theme "Don Bosco, 200 years with you." The meeting is part of the celebrations in Argentina for the Bicentenary of Don Bosco.

The first day was marked by the recognition by the Chamber of Deputies conferred on the Salesian Family in Argentina, in the person of the Rector Major. The deputies paid tribute to the work in education and all-round development that the Salesians have been engaged in since 1875, when the first Salesians arrived in the country.

Activities continued in eighteen different locations, with displays of the variety of initiatives and works of the Salesian Family in the different cultural contexts of the country. At the end of the day, the Rector Major gave the Good Night to the young people gathered at the House of St. Francis de Sales (the place where Blessed Zefferino Namuncurá had studied): "We should remember that it all started in an oratory" said Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.

On the second day three key issues were discussed:

•     "The meeting with Don Bosco," re-evoking the experience of the first approach to the Saint of Youth;

•     "The meeting that brings joy" which led to the creation of an oratory and playground, as an expression of Salesian joy that comes through games and prayer;

•     "Joy that leads to a love of life ", where young people are motivated to see their lives with a constructive approach and to share messages of hope, as well as showing how the love of life and the commitment of missionary disciples come from joy.

In the evening the Salesian Family marched from Plaza de los Dos Congresos to Plaza de Mayo to celebrate the birthday of Don Bosco and demonstrate the commitment of young people for life. The march was led by the Rector Major, the Provincial of Argentina North, Fr Manuel Cayo, and the Provincial of Argentina South, Fr Honorio Caucamán.  More than 10,000 people transformed the streets into a playground, showing that "we cannot remain silent about what we have seen and heard" which was the motto of the parade. Then in the Plaza de Mayo, there was a musical and cultural event in the presence of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Mario Poli.

Finally, yesterday morning, Sunday 6 September, thousands of people attended the solemn closing Mass, and thousands more followed it on live streaming. The celebration was an expression of Salesian joy in giving thanks to God for the life of Don Bosco. The Salesians renewed their commitment to continue working for the good of young people today according to the Salesian charism.

A video-synthesis and photo galleries are available on the net.

Published 07/09/2015