(ANS – Catania) – Yesterday, Catania experienced a day of great enthusiasm during the second day of the Rector Major’s visit, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement. The city, immersed in an atmosphere of celebration and participation, welcomed over 2,000 young people from all over Sicily, who gathered at the Metropolitan Theater, near the splendid Villa Bellini.
A Movement that continues to inspire
The Salesian Youth Movement, founded in 1975 thanks to the vision and dedication of young people supported by the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, was celebrated with great passion and dedication. The event came to life with performances by young people from Sicilian oratories, who narrated the history and founding values of the Movement through songs and performances.
The themes of the day—dreaming, witnessing, strengthening and walking together—echoed Don Bosco’s legacy, recalling the commitment of young people to building a more just, supportive and hopeful world.
Moments of Deep Reflection
The program was enriched by intense moments, such as the minute of silence dedicated to the children of Gaza, a gesture that united those present in prayer and awareness of global challenges. Fr Fabio Attard and Mother Chiara Cazzuola urged young people to be promoters of change, bringing to their oratories and communities that “new flame” that the Movement ignites in hearts. ‘Let us grow together through experience,’ emphasized Fr Attard, recalling that Salesian spirituality is a journey of sharing and service.
Testimonies and Celebrations
The morning saw the Movement’s animators recount their stories of faith and growth, tracing a common thread between past and present. Quizzes, innovative games, songs, and touching personal testimonies made the event a mosaic of joy and meaning.
Fr Fabio Attard and Mother Chiara Cazzuola, in their speeches, expressed gratitude and admiration for the energy of the young people: “Dear young people, today you have given us a breath of fresh air that we so badly needed,” said Fr Attard. Mother Chiara added: “You young people have the energy and strength to make the world a better place.”
An Afternoon of Joy and Spirituality
In the afternoon, the celebrations moved to Villa Bellini, where the young people participated in games and dances, enthusiastically expressing their friendship and vitality.
The day ended with a pilgrimage along Via Etnea to Catania Cathedral, culminating in Holy Mass presided over by Fr Attard at the tomb of Blessed Cardinal Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, known as the “Bishop of the Poor” and supporter of Salesian work in the city.
A Call to Sharing
During his homily for the 50th anniversary, Fr Attard reflected on the parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus, emphasizing the importance of not allowing oneself to be possessed by riches—material or existential—but to share them generously. He recalled that the Salesian house is not a closed refuge, but a space for growth, solidarity and openness towards others.
Referring to the example of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, he urged young people to recognize the voice of Christ within themselves, so that they may also see him in the faces of the poor and marginalized. Finally, he recalled the words of Pope Francis: “Each of us is a mission in the world, the fruit of God’s love.”
A Movement that looks to the future
The day ended as a celebration of the dynamism, vitality, and strength of the Salesian Youth Movement, which, after 50 years, continues to inspire young people, guide them on their journey of faith, and illuminate the world with hope.
Fr Fabio Attard summed up the spirit of the day with a meaningful invitation: “Let us light the light of hope, however small it may be, but bright enough to infect the world that desperately needs it. This is our task: to be witnesses of faith, love, and hope in a world that awaits young, courageous protagonists.”
