(ANS – Belo Horizonte) – On Saturday 19 November thousands of young people had a faith-filled experience when the  Cross and the Icon of Mary of the World Youth Day (WYD) arrived in Belo Horizonte. Coming from the city of Oliveira, the symbols of WYD were welcomed at Betim by a youth band. From there in procession they were taken to Belo Horizonte and the Don Bosco Youth Centre (CJDB), in the Mother Gertrude district was the first in the city to welcome them.

Before they arrived, CJDB, in collaboration with the parish of Christ the Light of the Gentiles in the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, had prepared a special period for the community. With prayers, reflection and then a Mass attended by children, youngsters and adults at which the auxiliary Bishop Luiz Gonzaga Fechio presided. Then after some other cultural and recreational events the two symbols arrived, first under a heavy rain, then a blue sky and finally a bright sun which created an atmosphere which helped the people appreciate the experience.

After stopping at the CJDB, the Cross and Icon went to the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-MG), in the Serra district, and then after being present at the inauguration of the new Cathedral of Belo Horizonte, ended their pilgrimage at Mineirinho, where there was a great youth festival.

The  Don Bosco Youth Centre is in one of the most densely packed areas of Belo Horizonte-MG, in an area called “Cabaña do Pai do Tomás”. Most of the families are living in very poor conditions with low levels of school attendance and high unemployment. At present the Centre has a multidisciplinary team which helps 320 children and adolescents, between 6 and 16.

Published 24/11/2011