(ANS – Tokyo) – Salesian Youth Day was organized jointly by the Youth Ministry teams of the different groups of the Salesian Family in and around Tokyo to commemorate the Bicentenary of the Founder Don Bosco. One of the events was held with the teenage youth on 6-7 June, under the motto: “Salesian Youth Day!! Don Bosco Cup – Sports and Overnight Stay: Run, Jump, Make Noise, but do not sin!!”

The young participants got together at the FMA formation house in Akabane, Tokyo, played sports, joined in evening prayer and had dinner together. On the next day, they attended Mass in the Salesian parish, Santa Maria of Edo, and continued to enjoy their time together.

Previously, on 25-26 April, youth from different groups, aged 18~30, came together for the event entitled: “Salesian Youth Day, Night-walk Pilgrimage, Now is the time to enkindle Don Bosco’s fire!” 50 youths and staff walked the distance of 23km through the night, completing the route which connected the main houses of the 3 religious congregations of the Salesian Family present in Japan.

The presence of fifty young people - a significant number compared to previous years ­– and their enthusiasm gave new vigour and hope to the local communities. 

The Salesian Family would like to make the Salesian Youth Day an ongoing movement, taking up the fire of Don Bosco, set ablaze during the Bicentenary, to light the hearts of many more young people.

The Salesian Family in Japan will conclude the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Birth on 23 November 2015 with a commemorative meeting at the Cathedral in Tokyo. A symposium on the Salesian mission for youth, presentation of a drama on Don Bosco, and a commemorative solemn Mass will mark a new start for the Salesian Family in Japan.

Published 30/06/2015