(ANS - Smorgon) - On 1 February all the members of the Salesian Family in Belarus gathered together in a spirit of unity and celebration to honour the Saint of the Young at Smorgon, about 100 km from the capital, Minsk.

by Olga Pishchaka

The Salesian Family members had decided to organize common meetings and prayer moments in turn, in the various Salesian communities throughout the Bicentenary Year of the birth of Don Bosco. For the feast of St. John Bosco, over 500 people from Minsk, Diatlovo, Barauliany and other places gathered at Smorgon. These included Religious, Salesian Cooperators, animators, adults, youth and children. All those who love and live the Don Bosco Salesian charism prayed together, thanking God for the gift of the founder.

The climax of the festival was the entry of three young people in the Association of Salesian Cooperators, Vladislav Zaretsky, Alexander and Tatiana Peradkovy, during a Eucharistic celebration in which all the Salesian Cooperators of Belarus renewed their promises.

In his homily, Fr Victor Gajdukevich, SDB, invited everyone to consider the current challenges of the Salesian Family taking a cue from the life of Don Bosco. "Young people constantly seek authoritative pesonalities - but often do not find. Therefore, it is very important that you rediscover the authority of teachers and masters, and make known their role and importance." He noted also that Don Bosco was convinced of the natural goodness of young people. It is therefore easier to restablish this natural goodness which heal the wounds caused by wrong education. "Reason, religion, loving kindness are the main pillars of the educational system of Don Bosco."

Don Gajdukevich finally urged everyone, in this jubilee year, to understand more deeply the pastoral and educational heritage of Don Bosco, to practise it in concrete situations and help young people to attain salvation.

After the Holy Eucharist there was a concert, accompanied by dances and short skits, prepared by young people of the Salesian oratories - Smorgon, Minsk, Barauliany and Diatlovo – which highlighted what Don Bosco means for the young. At the end of the celebrations awards were given to the winners of "BoscoArt" contest; the Salesian Cooperators presented a gaming table to the four oratories.

Published 23/02/2015