This fraternal visit, which took place from 12 to 16 February, is a visible sign of the presence of the whole Congregation alongside the religious and young people of the AGL province, but above all a presence alongside the poorest, those young refugees who find themselves in Palabek – this great space of life and concrete expression of the Salesian mission.
A contact with the land of the Martyrs
Passing through the city of Kampala, the visitors were offered a moment of prayer and contact with the ecclesial reality: a visit to places of worship, participation in the Eucharist in the Basilica of the Martyrs of Uganda, and prayer before the relics of these African saints.
A family with doors always open
From Kampala to Palabek, passing through the village of Atede, under the guidance of Salesians Fr Frédéric Murindangabo and Fr Ubaldo Andrade – Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry and Rector of the Palabek work respectively, engaged in the education and evangelisation of young refugees – the visitors were offered a warm welcome by everyone. In each of the homes visited, the Salesians did not hide their pride and joy at feeling loved, visited and supported in their apostolic work.
Pastoral Care – Mission – Economy: more than a dialogue in Palabek
Palabek is a true mission land. The reality of the Salesian mission among these displaced persons is a true prophetic sign, which gives impetus to the guidelines of the 29th General Chapter, which calls for an ever greater passion for Jesus in the service of the poorest young people. From visits to refugees to welcoming them for formation guidelines; from the presence of chapels for local evangelisation to the Vocational Education Technical Centre; from the Oratory-Youth Centre to the reunification of families and peoples; this is the miracle that the Lord works through Salesian pastoral care in this refugee village.
This ‘miracle’ allows us to perceive a commitment, or rather a synergy of actions between Youth Ministry (in coordination, accompaniment and pastoral animation), Mission (in evangelisation, sometimes primary, of peoples) and the Economer General’s Office (through material support and thanks to the accompaniment of the Salesian Mission Offices.
A celebration of renewal and revival
On Sunday 15 February, Fr Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, together with his Salesian confreres, celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving in honour of St John Bosco, which was attended by numerous young people, parents and collaborators of the Salesian mission in Palabek. In his homily, the General Councillor once again praised the work done and, above all, the commitment and resilience of the young people who, despite the difficulties they face, know how to embrace life and dare to rebuild it for a brighter future.
‘Don Bosco,’ said Fr Bejarano, ‘is there to accompany each of your dreams; let yourselves be shaped by the light of the Gospel that he brings you with his charism.’
Addressing the Salesian educators and lay people, the Councillor once again praised their commitment and sense of self-sacrifice in an environment that, in human eyes, may seem fatal, but which they, with the eyes of believers, must see as an opportunity to reaffirm hope and build unity.
These words were like a call for missionary renewal and a relaunch of the dynamic in which no one is left behind, but always loved, welcomed and accompanied in dignity, social justice and community support. A moment of joy, with songs and dances, crowned this beautiful Eucharistic celebration.
Thus, little by little, this visit of the Youth Ministry Sector came to an end, under the auspices of Fr Rafael Bejarano, accompanied on this occasion by Fr Jerry Matsoumbou, member of the Sector and Representative for Africa.
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