(ANS – Pérez Zeledón) – To celebrate Pentecost, on 3 June, the Sant’Isidro Diocesan Youth Ministry Commission entrusted to the care of the Salesians in Costa Rica, organised a Youth Gathering. Over 600 from the various schools and parishes took part  Organised by Fr Miguel Cano SDB the event was held in the  in the Sports Hall of the “La Asunción” Institute with the motto “Navigating in the Spirit.”

The day began with those taking part being welcomed and given an identification card. With songs and games a festive atmosphere was soon created resembling that of the first Christian communities. Mass was said by the Pastoral Vicar of the diocese Fr Oscar Navarro.

In his homily he emphasised the importance of the young people being involved in all the areas of life social, working, political and educational  as a  visible sign of active and committed believers. “Because as real witnesses you are those who through your lives and actions are being called to this expression of your baptism.” Then symbolising their vocation and encouraging them in the religious and priestly life a net was cast over them.

Then the Salesian Fr Cano spoke about the meaning of the Feast of Pentecost: “It marks the birth of the church  which through the  presence of the Holy Spirit accompanied the witnesses as they spoke through their lives about the presence of the Risen Christ. And you young people are the living presence, and like the apostles with the gift of the Spirit, can give life and transform the Church starting from your own bearing witness” he said.

In the afternoon after a short discussion those taking part were entertained by various artistic performance by the different schools and parishes. The acting, music, dancing showed the willingness of the young people to build a new Church.

The day ended in front of the Blessed Sacrament with some prayers as each group expressed its own apostolic commitment.

Published 07/06/2012