At inauguration, Fr Rafael Galvão, Delegate for Vocational Pastoral Care of the Salesians of the "Maria Ausiliatrice" Province of Brazil-São Paulo (BSP), welcomed the young people and presented the theme of the meeting: "Making the civilization of love flourish". Then, Fr Justo Ernesto Piccinini, Provincial of the Salesians of Brazil-São Paulo (BSP), presided over the Eucharist, which was preceded by a minute of silence and prayers for the lives lost in the war in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in every part of the world.
"Let us pray for peace, that the innocent lives of children, young people, adults and the elderly may be spared," Fr Piccinini stressed. During the celebration, the BSP Inspector also emphasized with emotion that the presence of young Salesians gives meaning to his life and that of all Salesians: "it is the presence of each and every one of you in our lives that makes the difference for us," he concluded.
The FEST was also attended by the Economer General of the FMA Institute, Sr Ena Veralis Bolaños, who said: "Personally, I want to say that being here, in the midst of young people, gives meaning to my life and my vocation. I think of Don Bosco's words when he said: 'For you I study, for you I live, for you I work, and for you I am ready to give my life'," an emotional Sr Bolaños told the large audience of young people.
On this day of celebration of love and unity, Sr Bolaños also addressed the suffering of those who do not feel loved: 'The biggest problem of humanity is not finding someone to love you, not feeling loved. Here, at this festival, we are instead welcomed through smiles and hugs. We are experiencing love,' she concluded.
The FMA Provincial of the Province of "Our Lady of Aparecida", Sr Alaíde Deretti, also attended the event, and highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM - AJS, in Brazil). She invited all young people to befriend one another, and especially the One who calls them to be disciples and missionaries: "May you all leave here enlightened and motivated to act as leaders in your communities. May this event, which marks the 25th anniversary of AJS, stimulate leadership and protagonism in you", she said.
At the end of the celebration, the SYM representatives congratulated Fr Piccinini on his term of office as the Provincial, now drawing to a close, and to the applause of 4,000 young people, he was hailed as "pastor, leader, father and brother". "Your legacy will long be remembered in our hearts. We hope that Mary Help of Christians will continue to guide your steps," emphasized the representatives from the province of AJS.
Throughout the day, the participants of the Salesian Youth Festival enjoyed various recreational and cultural activities, including artistic performances and sports activities. They a stall dedicated to Vocations and had time to socialize. The event culminated in a special moment of spirituality, with the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which offered to those present, the opportunity to connect spiritually with each other and with God, in an atmosphere of harmony and unity.
Activities such as FEST aim to strengthen the bonds between young people and provide an environment of learning and fun for their integral development.
Ana Laet
