Salesian Youth Movement at WYD2019 Panama

By Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Panama City, Panama, 23 January, Panama -- “Young people challenge us, make us change and give us hope”, said Fr Ángel Fernández sdb, Rector Major, as he replied to questions at the Youth Forum held on 23 January, 2019, at the campus of the beautiful Basilica of Don Bosco, Panama.

Nearly 400 Salesians, sisters, youth leaders and young people from around 50 countries joined the Salesian Youth Forum and were engaged in the language discussions that highlighted commitment, holiness and Salesian youth mission. In the afternoon, Fr Ángel Fernández sdb, Rector Major, was the main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration. He invited all to place their trust in the Lord and our Blessed Mother. “Young people have the power to transform the world. Ensure that you listen to the Spirit of the Lord speaking to you. Believe in yourself, believe in your dream and make sure that you transmit your dream. There are millions of young people living their catholic faith. They do not reach the altar, but this is Salesian Holiness”, he said.

The discussion in the English groups highlighted the need for faith formation, sharing the charism of Don Bosco and the the need to reach the marginalized. Similar sentiments were expressed by the other groups as they dwelt on young people reaching a just and human society.

Insightful questions were asked by representative of young people from Peru, Angola, Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil and Venezuela. The issues of society were highlighted and the need to build a just and human society reiterated.

I was personally struck by the reflective question of a young lad named Luis Eduardo Lopes from Brazil. He spoke of the situation of marginalized people and the need to open the doors of our Salesian presences to migrants and refugees.

My thoughts went to my own country, Papua New Guinea where young people are struggling to deal with vice, abuse and domination. ‘The situation of the refugees and asylum seekers, in Lorengau, Manus Island and at the Pacific International Hospital (PIH) in Port Moresby is desperate’, reflects Fr Giorgio Licini, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference after his recent visit to Manus. Papua New Guinea cannot handle the situation of over 50 men, some of whom will die in the next few days. “Even the ones supporting their companions are falling over”, said Rebecca Lim. “Perhaps, we as church and as a congregation can do better when it is a matter of human rights, life and death”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb.

The response of the Rector Major to Luis was strong and powerful. “I would be happy to hear that our Salesian houses welcome young people and that the Salesians are always ready to spend time and listen to the young. Sadly, things are not always like this. We need to change. Young people, it is you that give us hope and you will make us better. The heart of Don Bosco was filled with passion for young people. It was formed by the young people of his time. We are weak, you need to challenge us. You need to make us uncomfortable. You need to help us”, said the Rector Major.

“When women are present, things are different”, said Mother Yvonne Reungoat FMA, Mother General of the Salesian Sisters as she answered the question on Gender Equality and stressed the need for the respect and education of women. “Young people, you are a shining presence of Jesus who is alive. Your relationship needs to be humane and always building. Witness to the possibility of dialogue and ensure that the Salesian Youth Movement enables all young people live lives of holy joy. The Preventive System is relational. You need to have that missionary fire, that no one can extinguish”, she said.

In speaking about human rights, the Rector Major was extremely clear. “When it is a concern of Human Rights, either we have it or we don’t. We cannot remain indifferent. We carry in our hearts the sad reality of Nicaragua, Venezuela, Congo and other countries. We pray and hope that there will be a change and that justice will be done. Young people you are filled with Christian maturity and justice. Do not be afraid to stand up for justice”, he said.

Conversion, commitment, witness to Christ, holiness and clericalism were also touched upon.

A Youth Festival for members of the Salesian Youth Movement was then held at the Don Bosco Technical Institute, Panama. The celebration had stalls by the different groups, songs and dances that united the 2000 participants from around the world in a lively Salesian joyful celebration. The program concluded with prayer and reflection.

Reflections:

“Young people are the present of the World, the church and the family. The Holy Father reminds us to believe in the young people as they are the force of the church, of the world and of the family” – Sr Esther Migueline Jimenez fma, Dominican Republic. She loves working and forming young people.

“Living in a country that has a minority of Catholics, World Youth Day gives me the occasion to grow in my faith. Being with the young, keeps you young. When you are without sin, you are young.” – Maria Linda, Kuwait as she attends her third World Youth Day.

“World Youth Day is a time to celebrate our faith and interact with other like-minded people”. – Lea Victoria Valladares Morales, aged 20 years, from Mexico, a youth animator, presently doing her business studies.

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