Brazil - Young Dawn in Porto Velho reawakens Salesian youth protagonism
Porto Velho, Brazil - June 2022 - The Salesian Youth Movement of Porto Velho, with the collaboration of Fr. Antonio da Cunha Alves, SDB, and Sr. Stephany Pinto Gomes, FMA, and with the support of the Salesian Cooperators, for the first time together held the "Young Dawn" meeting, a youth celebration and Salesian spirituality event that gathered about 200 youth leaders for an entire evening and night of animation and prayer, from 6 p.m. local time until the following morning lights. The theme that accompanied the experience was "In the Strength of the Holy Spirit, with Mary, youth in mission on this Amazon land," while the motto was "Do all through love, nothing through constraint" (St. Francis de Sales). The meeting, held on the last weekend of last month, was marked by a very animated, participatory attendance with a great desire to be together on the part of the participants. The Eucharistic celebration, in youth and Salesian style, the moment of renewal of vows, and the missionary sending out given the fields in which the young people will be serving, were very touching moments for all. The young people present were called to be apostles and missionaries to other young people, in the oratory, in the parishes, at school, at work, and in the family. In the final review, the young people confirmed that the "Young Dawn" event was an exciting experience that awakened Salesian youth leadership.