France – Conclusion of "Campobosco" 2023, under the banner of peace and fraternity
Roanne, France – August 2023 2023 –From 20 to 24 August, some 300 young people and adults gathered at the beautiful estate of Ressins, a Salesian house in the Loire Valley, near Roanne, for the 2023 edition of “Campobosco”, the gathering of young people aged 13 to 25 from the Salesian Family in France and Belgium. The theme chosen was: “Make peace. Because peace means love”. It was an opportunity to question ourselves on how to be peacemakers today and an invitation to welcome peace within ourselves. During these days, several guests spoke, including representatives of the ATD Fourth World movement and the Community of Sant'Egidio, who pointed out that justice is essential for peace. In addition, two representatives of the French army were invited: Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Berringer and Lieutenant Oumar Sylla, one Christian and the other Muslim. Both, speaking to those present, helped to reflect on the link between the army and peace, explaining that the role of soldiers must be to defend those under attack.