(ANS – Rome) – Despite the ongoing war and tension devastating the Middle East, twelve young people from the Salesian oratories of Aleppo and Kafroun, accompanied by Fr. Pier Jabolayan, the Rector of the Salesian house in Aleppo, experienced an extraordinary journey of faith and sharing in Italy. This trip, organized during the Jubilee Year, brought together fraternity, spirituality, and renewal of the Salesian charism.
The journey was divided into two main phases. The first phase involved a twinning program with three oratories from the Salesian province of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta: Valdocco, San Paoloy Rebaudengo. The young Syrians spent a week immersed in the life of the oratories, sharing experiences and building bridges of friendship with their Italian peers.
The second phase brought them to Rome on pilgrimage, where they visited significant sites of Christian faith and participated in the highlight of their journey: a meeting with the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, at the Salesian Headquarters.
The Meeting with the Rector Major
On the afternoon of July 15, the young people had the opportunity to meet Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th successor of Don Bosco. The encounter was deeply moving and meaningful, especially given the challenges that Syria and the Middle East are facing daily.
During the meeting, the Rector Major expressed his closeness and that of the entire Salesian Congregation to the young Syrians, assuring them of ongoing support during these difficult times. He attentively listened to their testimonies and then shared a message of hope, offering three essential points for their journey:
- Fostering an educational environment: Create welcoming spaces, transformed by the presence of the Lord, where young people, educators, and Salesians can grow together.
- Investing in people: Forming and accompanying members of the educational community to ensure a solid and high-quality environment.
- Offering experiences of faith: Going beyond merely human relationships to propose a spiritual dimension that gives depth and meaning to life and the Salesian charism.
“You are the face of Don Bosco for the youth of Syria today,” said Fr. Fabio, thanking the young people for their dedication to helping those most in need and encouraging them to continue their journey with faith and hope.
The Young People Speak
Zeina Chaoud, a young girl from Don Bosco Aleppo, shared her feelings: “Meeting the Rector Major was like meeting Don Bosco. His words gave me hope and strength to continue serving young people in our oratory and to live my life well.”
Ramez Jbaly, another youth from Don Bosco Kafroun, added:
“This trip was an immense gift. I realized that, despite the challenges our country faces, we are part of a family that never abandons us. There is a force behind us that thinks of us and prays for us.”
Fr. Pier Jabolayan, who led the group, remarked: “Our young people return to Syria with hearts full of joy, hope, and a renewed faith. This experience has strengthened them as educators and witnesses of the Salesian charism.”
A Journey of Faith and Discovery
The visit to the Salesian Headquarters concluded with a tour of the new museum dedicated to Don Bosco’s life in Rome, organized by the Youth Ministry Sector under the coordination of Fr. Rafael Bejarano. This was a moment of spiritual and cultural enrichment, allowing the young people to immerse themselves even further in the history and mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco.