Coming from various Salesian presences – ITIG, Ngangi, Boscolac, Ndendere (Bukavu), and Nyakadaka – hundreds of young people gathered at the Salesian ITIG work to experience a moment of communion and celebration, in a youth mobilisation that bore witness to the vitality of the Salesian charism in the region and the deep attachment of young people to the spirit of the oratory.
An open dialogue on the Salesian mission
The day began with an interactive exchange between the young people and Fr. Bejarano. In an atmosphere of trust characteristic of Salesian pedagogy, the participants expressed their concerns and asked questions about the Salesian mission, the contemporary challenges facing young people, and the role of young people in the Church. The precise and pastoral responses highlighted a strong conviction: Salesian pastoral ministry is not only for young people, but with young people. They are called to become protagonists and co-responsible for their own human, spiritual, and social growth.
The Eucharist, the beating heart of the meeting
At the centre of the meeting, the Eucharist was the highlight of the day. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Jonas Yav, Delegate for Salesian Youth Ministry for the Our lady of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC), and concelebrated by Fr Jerry Matsoumbou, member of the Youth Ministry Sector and Sector Representative for Africa, together with a dozen other Salesian priests, including Fr Bejarano and Fr Owoudou themselves.
In his homily, Fr Matsoumbou offered the young people a clear catechesis on the authentic meaning of fasting, emphasising that true fasting goes beyond the simple deprivation of food: it consists above all in renouncing behaviours that distance us from God and others. Fasting thus becomes an act of freely chosen discipline, an exercise in interior conversion and consistency of life.
A celebration of Salesian youth
After Mass, the joy of the Oratory took over, through cultural performances prepared by the young people to welcome their guests: songs, dances, and artistic expressions revealed their many talents, a sign of a dynamic and creative youth.
At the end of the day, Fr Owoudou addressed a strong message to the young people gathered. He reminded them that if so many young people turn to Don Bosco, it is because they find four essential realities there: a home that welcomes, a church that evangelises, a school or formation centre that prepares them for life, and a courtyard where talents and fraternal relationships blossom. He invited each young person to ask themselves personally about the meaning of their presence in Salesian works: frequenting Don Bosco and his houses is not a simple event in life, but a choice that commits them to grow and become, in turn, a source of good for others, he declared with enthusiasm.
This day of Oratory celebration ended in an atmosphere of contagious joy and fraternity. The group photos with the two members of the Salesian General Council, the spontaneous exchanges, and the smiles shared among all the young people present sealed this meeting as a true moment of Salesian family life.
More than just a one-off event, this Oratorian day was an experience of a young, dynamic, and missionary Church, confirming that the spirit of Don Bosco remains alive and fruitful in the hearts of the young people of Goma.
Jambo Vijana,
Magazine of the AFC-EST Delegation
wp-content/uploads/images/AFC - Visita Goma 2026
