(ANS - Madrid) - The Salesian Youth Movement from Italy came together on Friday, August 19 at the Salesians, Atocha, for a time of celebration and prayer. It was a warm and friendly meeting with a surprise visit from the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chavez.

In genuine Salesian tradition, the playground was the first place that 1600 young Italians headed for, along with the Salesians and Sisters with them. They shared their happiness and their desire to get to know one other through games, singing, and dance.

Then, sitting down in front of the stage they listened to Sr Maria del Carmen Canales. The FMA General Councillor for Youth Ministry spoke of the similar gathering a few days earlier in the same playground during the SYM Festival on August 17. “Our movement has deep, secure roots” she said. After a quick greeting from Fr Fabio Attard, it was Fr Pier Fausto Frisoli's turn as Regional Councillor for the Italy-Middle East Region. He briefly told the story of his own vocation, and invited the young people to respond generously to the appeals they are hearing from the Pope over these days. “The Church is not like some media present it: as just the Vatican and pedophilia! It is you, the faces of thousands of young people, the true face of the Church.” He urged the SYM members to go beyond their provincial affiliation and feel themselves to be a “single SYM for Italy”.

It is, in fact, the first time that young people from the SYM in Italy are taking part in the WYD as a movement. Previous such events saw participation through diocesan membership. “As Mother Yvonne said last night: It is a miracle to be here!” Emanuele Bonazzoli, National Coordinator SYM said: “We wanted to be here in Madrid as the SYM from all Italy, and 1600 answered the call”.

As a surprise, the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, visited this group of young Italians and they gave him a rousing welcome. His brief address was followed closely by the young people. “Live your life now in a committed way! News outlets give us a bleak picture of international financial crisis and social unrest but you are called to transform this moment through hope!”

The meeting continued after supper with a prayer vigil in the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, the Via Crucis and a Good night thought from Fr Fabio Attard. He told the story of André Frossard and stressed the meaning of Eucharistic Adoration.

During the vigil the young people had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Published 20/08/2011