(ANS – Buenos Aires – September 30, 2026) – As part of Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Argentina from November 8–11, 2026, the Salesian Province of Argentina South is organizing a “Witnesses to Humanity” event at the León XIII Salesian House in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires from Sunday, November 8, through Tuesday, November 10.
Fr. Manuel Cayo, Provincial of Argentina South, who shares a monthly message by letter on the 24th of each month, put the event into context in his September 24 message, sharing the spirit with which the community is preparing to welcome the Pope.
Inspired by the official theme of the visit, “Welcome Everyone. Go and Proclaim,” and by the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Fr. Cayo emphasized the call “not to be afraid to get our hands dirty in the work of our time, to act like Nehemiah: praying, planning wisely, working with perseverance, placing God on the horizon and the human person at the center.”
He also emphasized how the theme of the visit connects with the Congregation’s charism:
“All this resonates with what we have learned from St. John Bosco and Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá: the least among us, those who have been cast aside by the world, take center stage in the celebration. Therefore, this motto serves as confirmation of the path we are following as a Salesian movement in this ‘missionary refoundation’: to welcome everyone without exception, to create a sense of hospitality (family) and to go out fearlessly to proclaim the Gospel.”
Who Is Invited and How Can You Take Part in “Witnesses to Humanity”?
The initiative is aimed at young people between the ages of 16 and 30 who participate in association programs at Salesian Houses within the Province. Each delegation must be accompanied by one adult over the age of 21 for every 10 young people.
The registration fee for both young people and accompanying adults covers accommodation for the entire duration of the event and full participation from beginning to end. The registration deadline is Monday, October 19.
What Will Take Place During the Gathering?
The program will begin on Sunday, November 8, at 5:00 p.m. with the registration of delegations at the León XIII Salesian House.
The following day, participants will travel together to the Monument to the Spaniards to attend the first Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in Buenos Aires. The remainder of the day, Monday, November 9, will be devoted to various activities at the provincial level.
On Tuesday, November 10, the young people will return to the same location in the city for the eagerly anticipated main meeting with the Holy Father, which will officially bring the event to a close that evening.
Finally, Wednesday, November 11, will be devoted to the return of delegations traveling from more distant areas.
Throughout these days, the program will include educational, recreational, and prayer activities designed to deepen participants’ identity as part of the Salesian Youth Movement. The schedule will include themed workshops, festive gatherings, and shared activities, as well as a moving visit to the iconic Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in the Almagro district of Buenos Aires.
“I am already grateful for the House’s willingness to welcome young people from across the Province and the Pastoral Delegation in preparing this event,” emphasized Fr. Cayo.
It will be a unique opportunity for the ARS Province to walk together as the Church and to accompany Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Argentina.
For further information about the gathering, contact pastoralars@donbosco.org.ar.
Accommodation for Other Delegations From the Interior
Similarly, the remaining Salesian Houses in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area will be available to accommodate other delegations that require lodging.
To coordinate participation and accommodation, each delegation must contact the directors of the respective houses to agree on organizational details.
Further information is available on the Don Bosco Sur website.