This first group of missionaries planted the seed of what is currently the Group of Friends "Canção Nova" of Chile. This group has been consolidating its form and its character over the years, carrying out evangelization activities especially aimed at young people, always in agreement and obedience to the local bishops, both in Santiago and in Valparaíso. In 2011, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Santiago, Salesian Msgr Ricardo Ezzati, now a cardinal, the group was invited to collaborate in the work of the Salesian Family in Chile.
"Today we feel welcomed and committed to this family. For example, our weekly Saturday meetings in Santiago usually take place in the Salesian provincial house," says Alejandro Manríquez, group coordinator.
"As a community, Canção Nova lives the same spirit of love of Don Bosco for the young. In Brazil it develops an educational program with young people from all social sectors through an institute called, yes: Don Bosco Institute," he continues. "Our group is characterized by being eminently familiar. Another gift that the Lord has given us was the opportunity to welcome foreign brothers: Peruvians, Bolivians, Venezuelans, Argentines... all in the same family and all participate actively."
The "Canção Nova" Group of Friends has already carried out a number of pastoral activities, such as the mission to La Pintana, in the poorest area of Chile. The "Canção Nova" Band, made up of community members, enjoyed a warm reception at La Pintana and in other contexts, and was also able to accompany spiritual days in schools, parish meetings and youth movements.
Evangelization through the media is a task yet to be completed. "We are negotiating to start making our first television programs, with the support of the 'Centro Multimediale Caetera Tolle' and our community in Brazil. We hope this project will see the light soon, and so help develop a very important aspect of our charism not yet widespread in Chile."
Source: Chilean Salesian Bullettin
