Together with the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Aldir da Silva, and members of the provincial team, André Espíndola and Júlia Beatriz, Fr Bejarano visited communities, schools and youth groups, listening to local concerns and strengthening ties. As the global head of Salesian Youth Ministry, he carries with him the mission to foster fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism and to promote initiatives dedicated to the evangelisation and education of young people.
He received a warm welcome in Cuiabá: the Salesian community welcomed him in a spirit of fraternity, and the programme began with his participation in the Eucharistic celebration at the Nossa Senhora da Guia parish.
On Sunday 21 June, he presided at Mass at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, bringing together the faithful, educators, young people and members of the Salesian Family. In the afternoon, the group visited some of the places that bear witness to Salesian history in Cuiabá: parish communities, the social welfare centre and the Porto neighbourhood, where the memory of the first missionaries to arrive in the city is preserved. The day also included meetings with youth groups and members of the oratory. In the evening, the General Councillor presided at Mass at the Parish of São Gonçalo do Porto, concelebrated by the parish priest, Fr Idenílson Lemes da Conceição, and Fr Aldir da Silva.
São Gonçalo Salesian School
On Monday 22 June, the São Gonçalo Salesian School opened its doors for a day of listening and sharing. Fr Bejerano met with leaders, students and staff, gaining a first-hand insight into the educational and pastoral life supported by the Salesian work.
In the afternoon, the General Councillor led a reflection with the young people, starting with a direct question: “What is your dream?” The exercise invited the students to reflect on their own life plans, to value hope and courage as tools for building the future, and to recognise the role of education in developing their talents. Fr da Silva then took the floor to address the young people with a message on discernment and on building a life plan rooted in Christian values.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the play performed by the pupils on the life of St John Bosco, his dedication to education and his commitment to the evangelisation of young people. The day concluded with a sporting event on the grounds of the Santo Antônio Salesian School which brought together young people from the Nossa Senhora da Guia parish.
The Santo Antônio Salesian School
On Tuesday 23 June, the visit moved on to the Santo Antônio Salesian School in the Coxipó da Ponte neighbourhood. Among the day’s meetings, one in particular caught the attention: Fr Rafael met with the Director of the school, Fr Gildasio Mendes, former General Councillor for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation.
The programme also included a visit to the Nossa Senhora da Guia parish, where Fr Bejarano took part in the recording of a video invitation for “Aviva Jovem”, an event scheduled for 26 June at the Santa Rita de Cássia community. Together with the parish priest, Fr Wellinton Francisco, Fr Aldir da Silva and Fr Gildasio Mendes, the Councillor extended the invitation directly to the young people, confirming his attendance at the event.
Fr Bejarano’s visit to the Salesian communities in the BCG province will continue until 28 June 2026, strengthening the ties between the Congregation and the educational, pastoral and parish communities of the province.
{gallery}BCG – Inizio Visita d Bejarano 2026{/gallery}
