(ANS - Damascus) – We continue the report of the Provincial of the Middle East, Fr Munir El Rai, on his visit to Syria. What follows is the third and final part, written from the capital Damascus.

I had ample opportunity to meet the Salesian communities of Damascus, both that of the Confreres and that of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The Sisters have two large works in Damascus: a Kindergarten and an Italian Hospital, where they offer a valuable and important service to the Syrian people, especially at this dramatic moment.

In Damascus, as in Aleppo, the summer activities were well planned and well run with the help of leaders and Salesian collaborators. They were attended by about 900 young people from areas far removed from the city. (...)

Unlike cities such as Aleppo, the centre of Damascus still appears relatively less dangerous. However, the situation has worsened considerably in recent times, and it is becoming more unstable and insecure. Even there, the effects of water shortages, electricity cuts, the cost of living and lack of jobs weigh on the living conditions of the population, who are deciding in increasing numbers to leave the country.

The young people and the leaders welcomed me warmly to the Centre and each group put on a small theatrical production of musical and artistic works prepared during the summer. I thanked them and encouraged them to keep up that optimism and joy that are the heart of the Salesian spirit. (...)

In Damascus I was able to share the experience of a group of young people who were doing voluntary work in some villages on the border with Lebanon. Another group of volunteers has had an interesting and meaningful experience of mission that lasted for a month. The experience of volunteering, particularly by young people who themselves are living in situations of extreme difficulty and uncertainty, is especially important and significant. Despite the difficulties and dangers of the environment, these young people have put themselves at the service of the less fortunate. Through this experience they have found the joy of giving and service and discovered how much good can be done through education for peace and coexistence.

During my stay I also met a group of young people who were taking part in a vocational experience on a "Come and See" programme. Two of them have opted for a prolonged experience in the work, taking part in the life of the Salesians and helping them in their daily activities. The Salesians in Damascus also organized a summer camp for young people. Two groups of about 140 young people took part spending five days of summer camp in the mountains near Kafroun.

On August 5, I was invited to preside at the Mass for the first professions of six young Syrian Salesian Sisters. It was beautiful to participate and assist at the moment of consecration to God of these young sisters in these particularly difficult times in Syria.

Late on the afternoon of 6 August, I finally left the country and went on to visit Lebanon. (...)

Let us continue to pray that this tragic war in Syria, and all the wars that plague the Middle East and other countries of the world, may finally end.

Published 09/09/2015