Hungary – Virtual Advent Retreat for young people

15 December 2020

(ANS - Budapest) - This Advent is certainly not the same as in previous years. The pandemic and the consequent isolation do not allow people to get together – in person - to prepare for Christmas. Thus, the Salesians, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) and numerous collaborators of the Salesian mission in Hungary decided to offer young people an online retreat, which was attended by over 150 young people of different ages.

The Salesian Youth Movement (SZALIM) invited young people to participate by registering on their Facebook page. Subsequently, the members were divided into age groups to then take part in the e-retreat that took place last November 28th.

The participants between the ages of 24 and 35 were led by Fr Kirner Zoltán, SDB. The meeting, divided into three different parts, was characterized by moments of reflection and prayer. Also on the same day, a retreat for young people between 15 and 23 years old, led by  Mr Molnár-Gál Béla, Salesian Cooperator. Here, the young people were invited to listen and to prepare themselves with joy for the coming of the Lord. The retreat took place in a serene and confidential atmosphere and during the day the participants had the opportunity to dialogue with the Salesians and with the FMA.

Finally, the age group between 12 and 14 gathered under the guidance of Sr. Kovács Katalin, FMA. It was a precious moment for the younger participants, who were able to share their experiences and dialogue with each other. Precisely these moments of sharing serve to bring the youngest closer to God, but also to feel closer to one another.

The Advent retreat was an ideal time for everyone to reflect on the closeness of Jesus and to deepen the mystery of the Incarnation. In other words, the virtual Advent retreat was a "spiritual medicine" for young Hungarians in this pandemic period.

The Salesians also wished to thank the Hungarian government, which provided financial support for this online retreat.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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