Brazil – A missionary initiative brings together over 450 teenagers in the south of the country

(ANS – Porto Alegre) – Three editions of the Youth Missionary Animation (AMJ, in Portuguese) will take place in July in various cities in southern Brazil. Taking the three projects as a whole, it is estimated that around 473 teenagers from Salesian communities in the St Pius X Province, based in Porto Alegre, will take part.

Aimed at young people aged 14 to 18, the AMJ will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. The programme combines prayer, communal living, formation and missionary service. This year’s edition is inspired by the theme of the 2026 Strenna: “Do whatever he tells you”, and invites participants to practise listening, openness and commitment to their communities.

The mission spans three states

The first stage will take place from 12 to 18 July at the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians in Ponta Grossa (PR). Around 140 participants are expected to attend.

From 19 to 25 July, a new group will then take part in the AMJ in Itajaí (SC). The programme involves the Parish of St John Bosco, the Salesian College in Itajaí and the Parque Dom Bosco Social Centre. Around 200 teenagers are expected to attend. The third stage will take place from 26 July to 1 August in Bagé (RS). The Salesian Our Lady Help of Christians College and the Parish of St Jude Thaddeus are expected to welcome around 133 participants.

The Festive Oratory is part of the programme

Among the missionary initiatives, the organisation of the Festive Oratory with children and teenagers from the communities visited stands out. The activity promotes encounter, fellowship and the Salesian educational presence.

Each week, participants are also invited to recognise God’s presence through prayer, service and the relationships forged with the communities. The programme emphasises that the mission does not end with the conclusion of the experience, but continues within the family, at school, in the parish and in other areas of daily life.

Launched in 2011, the AMJ forms part of the Salesian youth ministry programme and encourages young people to take a leading role in the educational and evangelising mission. In 2026, the three regional branches will celebrate the project’s 15th anniversary.