5200_Timor Leste SYM Annual Gathering

5200_Timor Leste SYM Annual Gathering

September 15, 2019

By Fr J Mota, SDB


Fatumaca, Timor Leste, 15 September 2019 -- On 13-15 September, the youth leaders from different youth centres gathered in the newly established Carlo Gama Training Centre at Fatumaca. This is the 17th annual gathering of the Salesian Youth Movement since 2002. Upon arrival, these youth leaders were welcomed by the organizers accompanied by some Salesian priests and FMA sisters. After receiving their ID card and taking some merenda (a snack), the youth leaders assembled in the gym for a photo session of every group and a welcome from the TLS Provincial, Fr. Apolinário Neto, sdb accompanied by both of SDB and FMA Youth Ministry Delegates.


Following this, Fr João Boavida, SDB gave a brief introduction on the theme of this gathering, “Christus Vivit, Young people: Holiness is for you too, you are the ‘now’ of God.” It was a mash-up theme from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation and the Strenna of the Rector Major for this year.


After the talk, all participants proceeded to the grotto of Our Lady for the Mass celebrated by Fr. João Boavida, SDB. There was dinner and a short break before adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession at the same time. The first day of the gathering closed with a good night talk given by the community leader, Fr. Amarianto, SDB.