| Brazil – Launch of the WYD 2013 site |
| Spain – We are marching to World Youth Day, in time with the music |
| Brazil – Salesian Youth Festival |
The event began early in the morning in the square of Maciel Pinheiro and worked its way through the city streets to St Joseph’s school. The cross, the symbol of the Day, was decorated with strips of ribbon, in remembrance of young victims of violence.
During the procession, which was accompanied with music, there were several moments of prayer and encouragement for the young people, as well as a touching testimony from a young former drug addict. Outside the school there were performances of drama and dance, followed by a celebration of the Eucharist, led by Archbishop Fernando Saburido, and concelebrated by many priests, including the archdiocesan youth officer, Fr Gimesson Eduardo SCJ.
Various movements and congregations took part in the day, including Salesians in formation, young people from the Bongi parish and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
The Youth Department of the Bishops’ Conference of Brazil chose to fix the date of this event as 1 May to emphasise its significance and to enable the participation of all the youth groups and associations in the archdiocese. It also served as a step in the preparations for World Youth Day next August in Madrid.
Published 11/5/2011
