Damascus, Syria – June 2016 – On June 20th, there was the commencement of the 2016 Summer Activities of the Salesians of Damascus, entitled “Rejoice with my Mercy. How?”. Over 1200 young people of various age groups registered at the oratory: 250 from the elementary school, 500 of the junior high school, 250 adolescents and 200 university students. A Salesian mission in the midst of the war that goes on, a mission based on education, because education is hope. “By now our mission is staying in the midst of these young people who are in need of somebody who gives them a sign of life and hope, someone who confirms that life cannot die”, says Fr. Dani Gaurie, sdb. “The oratory has become an oasis of peace and tranquillity, far from the noise of war and death” states Fr. Mounir Hanasci, sdb. “We shall continue our mission with a great trust in the present and in the future, a trust that gives us the strength to go on”, concludes Fr. Guarie.