(ANS - Aleppo) – Amal is born from Alam: It is a play on words in Arabic. It means that hope is born out of suffering. The difficulties caused by the war and the siege of the city did not prevent the young Christians of Aleppo celebrating Don Bosco, because their desire to enjoy the occasion to the full was stronger than their fear of dying.

On 18-19 September, the young people gathered in the Salesian house of Aleppo. The theme of their two-day meeting was "Be my witnesses." This meeting marked the inauguration of the local celebrations for the bicentenary of Don Bosco. Beyond all expectations, the festivities were attended by about 900 young people, from all the local churches and various Christian associations.

As soon as they arrived, the young people received a package containing various gadgets plus a film and a book on Don Bosco in Arabic. Then the meeting opened with a performance by clowns. This was followed by the introductory prayer and the installation of a cross, which will remain with the young people for the rest of the pastoral year. The backdrop is a huge painting done ​​by Fr Tony Freij and some volunteers, with the images of Jesus the Good Shepherd and Don Bosco, another good shepherd.

Fr Gimi Kourji explained the purpose of the meeting. He said that to be witnesses we need to be disciples, willing to face the difficulties caused by "negative programming", i.e. the conditioning of war, fear, old habits, and so on. Being witnesses demands the resignation of people who want to deepen their relationship with the Lord and seek nothing else.

The topic of the second day, following on from the first, was "Don Bosco disciple of Christ."  It was presented by Fr Simon Zakerian, who said that even today, witness is essential in the life of the disciple. He showed with some examples how we can develop a personal relationship with Jesus, and then reach out to evangelize others.

In addition to speeches and other presentations, the message of Christian mission was portrayed also in sketches and stage performances.  In the afternoon there was Eucharistic adoration and a penitential service. in an atmosphere of great joy, the young people embraced the statue and relics of Don Bosco. Because they had not been able to bring the main relics of Don Bosco to Syria, the Salesians built a statue of the saint with a small relic placed around the neck.

Several priests of the Church in Aleppo concelebrated at the concluding Mass, which was presided over by Fr George Fattal, Director of Aleppo.  In his homily he insisted that Don Bosco’s joy came directly from Jesus who is the source of joy.

As the meeting came to an end, the young people expressed their gratitude to the organizers. One of them said : "Thank you for your presence, your hard work and effort; you have given us new life and, for the past two days, helped us to forget the climate of war and death ...  From the bottom of my heart, I say, THANK YOU."

Published 30/09/2014