(ANS - Aleppo) - In Aleppo, the city that symbolizes the war in Syria, clashes and bombings continue. The young people who attend the oratory request Salesians and all the Christians who are spared the horror of war to spend an hour in Eucharistic adoration on Monday evening, praying for peace in Syria. This is the message from Fr Georges Fattal, Rector of the Salesian house.

By Gian Francesco Romano

The city of Aleppo is surrounded. It is not possible to enter or leave freely. Bombs and rockets fall daily on entire neighbourhoods of the city.

"I have just visited people maimed by the explosion of a bomb that fell on their home” says Fr Georges Fattal, Rector of the Salesian House in Aleppo. Some lost their eyes, another lost his hands. It's dangerous to go out on the street, but you can also die in the quiet of your home."

Fortunately the Salesian work is located in one of the areas least affected by the violence. It is much frequented by the young people who come there for a bit 'of peace and normality. "This Oratory has always attracted many young people and has also given many vocations to the Church and to the Salesians. Now they come also from other areas of the city, because many churches have been destroyed. "

The help, including material help, given by the Salesian community plays a part in the popularity of the Oratory.  "Thanks to the Congregation and some benefactors we are in a position to help the families of 700 oratory members. A few days ago I distributed 800 pairs of shoes and these days, as always at the end of the month, we are delivering food and economic assistance. Prices have hit the roof since the war started.”

The Salesian commitment is all for young people: "We try to put ourselves at their service and to give them a smile in these painful times," says the Rector. The young people recognize this commitment and are the first to believe that we can resist discouragement. "Tomorrow and Saturday we will stage a great show, written by Fr Pier Jabloyan, SDB. It speaks about the right to see a bit of light in the midst of this darkness. We asked the young people if they wanted to continue with the show despite the risk of bombings and it was they who insisted on going ahead.”

Together, young people and Salesians are turning the reality of war into an opportunity to deepen their faith. "We meet on Thursday afternoon with the University students to reflect on what good the war has brought us. We are convinced that, as St. Paul said, all things work together for good to those who love God."

In this same spirit Fr Fattal is working to make the Jubilee of Mercy a reality for the young people of Aleppo. "In this unthinkable situation we want them to show forgiveness and mercy and make them feel part of the Church that cares for all its children."

He ends with an appeal: "Every Monday we do an hour of Eucharistic adoration for peace, from 6.00 to 7.00 p.m. Please join us in spiritual communion, at the same time if possible. We have faith in the power of prayer!"

Published 25/02/2016