Brazil - "Walking like disciples of Emmaus": the project "Ruta Juvenil Salesiana" arrives in missions

04 July 2018

(ANS - Meruri) - "The project 'Ruta Juvenil Salesiana' (Salesian Youth Itinerary) is aimed at young people as if it were an invitation by the Holy Father Francis, who summons Christians to take care of nature and to watch over the people who live there". Thus Fr Wagner Luis Galvão, SDB, Delegate for Youth Ministry in the Salesian Province of Brazil-Campo Grande, presented the significance of this dynamic Salesian program, aimed at young people and members of the Salesian Family who wish to live an experience of faith and joy through contact with Nature and the indigenous Xavantes and Bororo peoples.

The Salesian Mission of Mato Grosso, through the Salesian Youth Ministry, has collected the groups expressing their interest in covering the "Ruta Juvenil Salesiana". They were able to choose between four different itinerary options, which retrace the journey of the first Salesian missionaries who arrived in Mato Grosso 124 years ago and who, with sweat and blood, collaborated in the construction of a vast movement in favor of youth. Among them, the Salesians Fr José Thannuber, Fr João Fuchs, Fr Pedro Sacilotti and Fr Rudolf Lunkenbein, together with the indigenous Simão Bororo.

20 young people from different courses of the Salesian university centers of Araçatuba and Lins took part in this first experience. They met and traveled on Sunday, July 1, and they undertook this "Ruta Juvenil Salesiana" that puts them in touch, until next July 8, with the Bororo, in Meruri, and the Xavante, in San Marcos.

During this period, the group develops volunteer activities and initiatives, have the opportunity to experience moments of learning and knowledge and the exchange of experiences. "In addition to cultural awareness, this experience allows students an inculturated vision in new realities," said Fr Waldomiro Bronakowski, SDB.

To participate in the project, the young people had to undergo a selective process, developed in two phases: a questionnaire about themselves and individual motivational interviews.

It is interesting how Fr Galvão presents the objective of the "Ruta Juvenil Salesiana", that is, ensure that the participants walk as brothers and sisters, disciples and missionaries in the Church. "To walk like the disciples of Emmaus, who shared the challenges and hopes of our life and our reality," he said.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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