Syria - Summer Camp stopped by bombs but the young people do not give up

12 July 2016

(ANS - Aleppo) - "We have had a very hard time. A rain of bombs fell on the people of Aleppo. A girl from the oratory was injured together with her sister, after a rocket fell on their house but, thank God, they are now well.” This is the umpteenth dramatic report from the Salesians in Aleppo. Because of the resumption of the bombing they have had to interrupt their summer activities for children and teenagers. And yet there is no desire to give up: to make ends meet young people, Salesians and the local churches are organizing a Youth Day.

"The last week of the summer programme for young people was due to start on Monday 11 July but the situation there does not permit it. We have decided to close the oratory, so as not to put the young people at risk,” say the Salesians. “The situation here is deteriorating. We are in God's hands and at the mercy of those who make decisions. Will this difficulty pass? How? When? We do not know. We only know that we have a bitter cup to drink ... and how bitter it is!"

In a context of desolation and despair, the Salesians are still active and determined to do everything possible for the young people. "Despite the war, together with the local churches we are organizing a Youth Day in Aleppo, to be held 29-30 July to coincide with World Youth Day in Krakow. It is a strong message of hope intended for the whole world. It is the cry of all the young people of the city: we are people of peace and we want peace."

It is the "mysterious and wonderful paradox" of which Msgr. Antoine Audo SJ, spoke recently as the head of the Chaldean Diocese of Aleppo: "on the one hand we are all heartbroken by what happens, on the other there are many who come to celebrate the sacraments, pray, share a spirit of hope and mercy".

"Pray for us because there are hard days ahead of us," the statement concludes.

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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.