(ANS – Aleppo) – World Youth Day was celebrated even in the tortured city of Aleppo, the scene of conflict for the past two years. On Sunday 28 July, hundreds of young people came to the Salesian House to show that, despite all their difficulties, they still wanted to be bearers of hope for the Church and for society.

About 850 young people began arriving at the Salesian House from early in the morning to take part in the great gathering. Neither difficulty nor fear could stop them. These only added to their determination to be part of this experience of Church.

They began by reciting the prayer of the WYD in Rio and then listened to the gospel passage of the call of Peter, followed by some reflections. Then Fr Simon Zakarian, Youth Ministry Delegate for the Middle East Province welcomed the young people in the name of all the Bishops and priests. He then introduced the young people to YOUCAT, the catechism for young people - they already had a copy in their kit – and to other resources for prayer and growth in the faith.

Other speakers then spoke on the main themes of the meeting – living as disciples of Christ and being his witnesses even in time of war, and as young people being “the hope of the Church”. The young people joined in and shared openly their fears, tensions and worries. One thing that emerged from the discussion was that, without the faith of preceding generations, who also suffered war and persecution, there would be no Christians in Aleppo today. This served as an encouragement to them to emulate the faith of their fathers and remain firm in their love for Christ. Archbishop Bùtros Marayàti then spoke, encouraging the young people to follow God and his teaching.

After dinner, during which the young people and the priests shared freely, all returned to the Church for the celebration of Mass. Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart, the Greek-Melchite Archbishopò of Aleppo, presided, accompanied by many young priests. In his homily the Archbishop addressed to the young people words that were often spoken by Pope Francis, “Let nothing rob you of hope!” When Mass was over, they all took part in various games that had been organized by the young people themselves. This led to an atmosphere of sharing and joy.

The day ended with the “Festival of Joy”, during which the young people heard a concert by the St Teresa Choir. They renewed their baptismal promises and dedicated themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In the days that followed Archbishop Marayàti commented to the Fides Agency and spoke of his admiration for those young people and his gratitude to God: “I was amazed to see so many young people without fear. They all witnessed to an inner peace which is surely a gift from the Lord. In many of them the prolonged crisis and the suffering that they have seen close at hand have awakened in them a deep insight into what can save them and redeem their lives, in every situation. They have grown in their sense of the loving kindness of Jesus for each one of them, and many of them are beginning to think of offering themselves to the Lord in prayer and in the service of their brothers and sisters.”

Published  09/08/2013