(ANS - Madrid) - The long preparation and expectations of the Salesian Family in these days are finding fulfilment. The Salesians and Salesian Sisters' communities and work have opened their doors especially to young people belonging to the Salesian Youth Movement.

For months, various Salesian Family groups in Spain set to work putting structures into place, involving volunteers, looking for sponsors to ensure that whoever would be in Madrid these days would find a warm and pleasant welcome.

There are 600 volunteers, young people and adults involved in Salesian structures, all with their different roles and tasks. All smiling and ready to say hello, or answer the various questions in their guests many languages.

Ruth, a girl from Malta, has come with other young people from her diocese, a group of 195 young people who arrive in Madrid after first going to Barcelona. Ruth, for whom this is her first WYD, has appreciated the reception given to them by the Salesian Sisters at Dehesa de la Villa.

At the Center for Advanced Studies (CES), also belonging to the Sisters 83 young Koreans, representatives from Haiti, Georgia and Armenia found a place to stay. Albert, from Haiti, testifies to his enthusiasm at being at the event in Madrid: “ There is lots of hope in Haiti, especially in Salesian settings. We came here to Madrid so we could bring back home the joy and hope of these days, and lead other young people to 'hang in there' ”.

The Salesians at Estrecho found a place for 109 young people from Piedmont, Italy, and 516 from Portugal.

The Rector Major and Mother Yvonne too, during their Good Night at the end of the prayer vigil on Aug. 17, had words of appreciation and gratitude for the efforts of the Salesian Family in Spain.

Published 19/08/2011