(ANS - Kafroun) - A meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement of Syria was held in Kafroun from 26 September to 1 October. It was attended by about a hundred young people from the three Salesian oratories of Syria (Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun) and four members from the oratory in Kamishly, a city located in the north of the country, where the Salesians have opened a flourishing oratory.

After an interval of thirteen years, the Salesians brought together again the Syrian youth for a new experience of true fraternity, in a family atmosphere in an oasis of serenity and peace. It was long overdue. Because of the war situation, the event was enjoyed with an even greater level of participation by all and it was accepted as a true grace. The young people felt the presence of Don Bosco and were encouraged to resume their lives with courage, in fidelity to Don Bosco and in communion with the Lord of history.

The theme was the same as that of SYM DON BOSCO 2015 in Turin: LIKE Don Bosco, WITH the young, FOR the young. During the five-day meeting, these three phrases were frequently repeated in memory of Don Bosco, Father and Teacher of Youth. The day opened with prayer and the Eucharist. The rest of the morning was spent in meetings and reflection on Salesian spirituality: how can we live and make our own the Salesian charism of serenity and joy in a war situation? How can we convey the characteristic features of Salesian loving-kindness and gospel forgiveness to those who live in a climate of war or in situations of homelessness and mourning?

In the afternoons there was time for leisure, recreation and relaxation, or time to go for a walk. There was one particular long walk in prayer for peace in Syria and the Middle East. The evenings were lively and always ended with prayer.

The Salesians and the young people of Syria expressed a big THANK YOU to the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. Despite the fatigue of his long journey in India and the lack of time, the Rector Major sent a video message to the young Syrians attending the meeting. His greeting was very much appreciated by all, for the affection shown by the Tenth Successor of Don Bosco to the young Syrians.  They welcomed gladly the three key words he used, words they felt most in need of: Faith, Hope and Joy.

When it was time to return home, the young people were very emotional: some were in tears, and others did not want to leave.

In about sixty years of Salesian presence in the country, the Salesians have opened three oratories. These have produced many vocations, and now they continue to maintain their activities on a regular basis, paying prudent and constant attention to the war situation.

Published 5/10/2015