The presence and service of youth leaders Gonzalo Sanchim and Alberto Jimpitik – young Achuar men from Ecuador belonging to the Salesian Youth Movement – provided a living testimony of leadership, dedication and faith, inspiring all participants to continue building a strong and united youth movement for the future of their people, despite having travelled for three full days through sun and rain – adventures typical of the Amazon.
Holding a youth gathering in Kuyuntsa, where the remains of Fr Luis Bolla, (Yánkuam Jintia) rest, embodies a profound missionary, vocational and cultural experience of the Salesian charism lived out today – far from the comforts of modern life, dedicated to evangelisation and walking alongside young people. There, alongside the living memory of the missionary who gave his life to the Achuar people, the young people discover that their own path can also be one of generous response, joyful service and commitment to their culture and faith. Every activity, every song and every topic for reflection thus becomes a gesture of continuity with Bolla’s dream: an Achuar youth capable of illuminating their own future with hope.
The young people living closest to the venue took between three and four hours to arrive, whilst those coming from more remote communities travelled, on average, for four days – as was the case for those from Chichirat and Yankuntich. Young people from the Chankuap (Huasaga), Maki River (Huituyacu) and Manchari river basins were also invited to take part. For many of them, this was their first opportunity to visit the place where the remains of Fr Luis Bolla rest.
DAY ONE: Arrival, welcome and integration
The first day of the gathering was mainly devoted to welcoming the participantss, who arrived in stages from their home communities such as Chichirat, Yankuntich and Chuintar, as well as invited delegations from Wawain, Junach and San Juan de Manchari. Everyone was welcomed at Fr Luis Bolla’s house, which, despite the passage of time, still stands.
In the afternoon and evening, the gathering formally began with a general assembly, followed by a Salesian welcome featuring songs and entertainment, during which the organising committees were introduced. Subsequently, the Oratory coordinator, Cristóbal Machaca, addressed the group, emphasising the importance of the 2026 Christmas message: “Do whatever He tells you”, as the central theme of the gathering. The participants were then organised into colour-coded groups through a participatory process, fostering integration and a sense of belonging. The day concluded with a time of singing and prayer in Achuar, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and spiritual openness for the days ahead.
DAY TWO: Formation, spirituality and fellowship
On the second day, the solemn opening of the gathering took place. This event generated enthusiasm, a sense of group identity and teamwork. Many of the participants were unaware that the Salesians also support these Achuar communities on the border.
During the morning, the formation topics for Aguinaldo 1 and 2: HEARING AND LISTENING were explored, with theoretical presentations and reflections led by the organising team, always adapted to their reality and with translation into Spanish and Achuar. The young people also expressed their ideas, shared experiences and strengthened their communication skills. Throughout the day, there were interspersed sessions of entertainment, group activities and breaks, and the traditional Amazonian drink, masato – nijamach, was shared.
In the afternoon, practical and group reflections took place, during which participants were able to apply the content to their specific circumstances. In the evening, a talent show and cultural activities were held, providing a space for the young people to showcase their artistic skills. Videos were screened highlighting cultural elements, and there were messages from people in different places encouraging them to make the most of the gathering, value their culture and defend nature.
DAY THREE: In-depth study and active participation
The third day followed the same organisational format, beginning with moments of prayer, a celebration of the Word and a communal breakfast. Afterwards, the young people presented the group projects they had prepared the previous day, demonstrating a process of reflection and internalisation of the material covered.
During the day, training modules 3 and 4: CHOOSING AND ACTING, were delivered, combining theoretical presentations with interactive activities. These reflections encouraged the young people to engage actively with their faith and their community.
In the evening, recreational and cultural activities took place, always with a focus on highlighting aspects of their own culture, fostering joy, integration and the strengthening of bonds amongst the participants. These were followed by videos featuring Achuar young people and leaders who spoke in their own language and delivered a message to the young people attending the gathering. The day concluded with a communal prayer and rest.
FOURTH DAY: Cultural and recreational experience and synthesis
The fourth day was marked by a profound cultural and youth-centred experience. Very early in the morning, the young people made their way to the church (Umpak), where they took part in a meaningful celebration of the Word and the Eucharist for Christians (Jesús Achuar), integrating the Christian faith with the cultural identity of the Achuar people. Many young people received Holy Communion and took the opportunity during these days to go to confession. This was followed by youth activities such as performances, group dynamics and a group dance choreographed for the gathering, highlighting the enthusiasm and participation of the entire team of teachers and organisers who helped run the event.
In the afternoon, the festive oratory took place, featuring games, obstacle courses and recreational activities that fostered integration, teamwork and healthy social interaction. These sessions were designed to strengthen values such as solidarity, respect and joy.
In the evening, a summary of the gathering took place, where, by the light of lit candles, the young people reflected on the lives of young people today in the Achuar region and around the world. The most important lessons learnt over the previous days were summarised. Group feedback sessions were also held, allowing the young people to share their experiences and commitments.
DAY FIVE: Closing, evaluation and send-off
The final day began with a spiritual moment, this time in groups from each residence. Afterwards, in keeping with Achuar tradition, the guests were bid farewell and encouraged to carry forward and share what they had experienced during these days of the gathering.
The experience helped to strengthen faith, cultural identity and youth leadership, becoming a meaningful space for holistic formation, fellowship and commitment.
{gallery}PER – Incontro giovanile Kuyuntsa 2026{/gallery}
