(ANS – Campo Grande) – Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, began an Animation Visit to the St. Alphonsus Liguori Province in Campo Grande, Brazil (BCG), el Saturday, June 20, 2026, launching a full schedule of meetings and celebrations. His first stop was Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso, where the Salesian mission first took root 132 years ago.
Accompanied by the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr. Aldir da Silva, and members of the provincial youth ministry team, André Espíndola y Júlia Beatriz, Fr. Bejarano visited Salesian communities, schools, and youth groups, listening to local concerns and strengthening relationships. As the worldwide leader of Salesian Youth Ministry, he promotes fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism while encouraging initiatives dedicated to the evangelization and education of young people.
He received a warm welcome in Cuiabá, where the Salesian community welcomed him in a spirit of fraternity. The program began with his participation in the celebration of the Eucharist at Nossa Senhora da Guia Parish.
On Sunday, June 21, Fr. Bejarano celebrated 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 several places that bear witness to Salesian history in Cuiabá, including parish communities, a social service center, and the Porto neighborhood, where the memory of the first Salesian missionaries to arrive in the city is preserved. The day also included meetings with youth groups and members of the Salesian oratory. In the evening, Fr. Bejarano celebrated Mass at São Gonçalo do Porto Parish, concelebrated by the pastor, Fr. Idenílson Lemes da Conceiçãoy Fr. Aldir da Silva.
São Gonçalo Salesian School
On Monday, June 22, São Gonçalo Salesian School opened its doors for a day of listening and fellowship. Fr. Bejarano met with school leaders, students, and staff, gaining firsthand insight into the educational and pastoral life supported by the Salesian mission.
In the afternoon, Fr. Bejarano invited the young people to reflect on a direct question: “What is your dream?” The exercise encouraged students to think about their future, embrace hope and courage, and recognize the role of education in developing their talents. Fr. Aldir da Silva then spoke to the students about vocational discernment and building a life plan rooted in Christian values.
One of the day’s most meaningful moments was a theatrical performance by students portraying the life of St. John Bosco, highlighting his dedication to education and his commitment to the evangelization of young people.
The day concluded with a sporting event at Santo Antônio Salesian School, bringing together young people from Nossa Senhora da Guia Parish.
Santo Antônio Salesian School
On Tuesday, June 23, the visit continued at Santo Antônio Salesian School in the Coxipó da Ponte neighborhood. Among the day’s meetings was a special encounter with the school’s director, Fr. Gildasio Mendes, former General Councillor for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation.
The schedule also included a visit to Nossa Senhora da Guia Parish, where Fr. Bejarano participated in the recording of a video invitation for Aviva Jovem, an event scheduled for June 26 at the Santa Rita de Cássia Community. Joined by the parish pastor, Fr. Wellinton Francisco, Fr. Aldir da Silvay Fr. Gildasio Mendes, Fr. Bejarano personally invited young people to participate and confirmed that he would be attending the event.
Fr. Bejarano’s visit to the Salesian communities of the BCG Province will continue through June 28, 2026, further strengthening the ties between the Congregation and the province’s educational, pastoral, and parish communities.