(ANS – Ferrara) – To help the people hit by the earthquakes in Emilia Romagna, the local Salesian Family is reorganising as quickly as it can the traditional Childrens Summer Project adapting it to the changed circumstances of the people.

Following contacts and discussions with religious and those involved in the Youth Ministry of the various dioceses of Ferrara, Bologna and Modena, Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are setting up a special Summer Project “R…Estate Ragazzi” – which rather than doubling up with the diocesan plans (aimed to finish at the end of June), can follow them up in July and August.

“The main idea is to work along side and not try to take the place of those local  people of good will, looking to the future with confidence using the traditional Salesian oratory methods” Fr Elio Cesari, Youth Ministry Delegate for the Lombardy-Emilian Province explains. “We want to help build up community links between young people themselves and between the young and adults following the shock of the earthquake and the subsequent inevitable disorientation” he added.

The whole Salesian Family is actively involved: Salesians throughout Italy, FMA, lay co-workers, Salesians-Cooperators, the Salesian Youth Movement in Italy and individual associations and volunteers.

The centre of operations will be the XII Morelli Salesian oratory, but assistance in summer oratories will be provided in  a variety of places in the dioceses of Ferrara (Gavello, Scortichino and Pilastri) and Bologna (Alberone, Reno Centese). All kinds of actitivite are planned involving not only the youngsters but whole families and whole communities so as to help them to spend some time together after the shock produced by the earthquakes.

As usual to be able to implement the plans the involvement of young voluntary leaders will be needed.

Published 11/06/2012