Salesians at the Center of the Pilgrimage
Among the international pilgrims, the Salesian Family was powerfully present, living out Don Bosco’s vision of accompanying the young. Thirty members of the Salesian Youth Movement from Hong Kong and Macau, led by Fr. Anthony Leung Po-taka and Fr. Carlos Cheung SDB, joined the wider delegation from the region. Their journey was marked not only by participation in the main Jubilee events, but also by distinctive Salesian experiences of prayer, friendship, and formation.
Before arriving in Rome, the group visited Milan, Florence, Assisi, and Naples, discovering the beauty of creation during a rare hike in Lecco—a refreshing encounter for youth accustomed to Hong Kong’s city life. For many, the pilgrimage offered a first-time experience of Salesian community beyond their homeland, deepening bonds and faith.
Spiritual Formation at the Salesian Pontifical University
On August 1, the young Salesians gathered at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome for a spiritual retreat led by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., coinciding with the Jubilee’s day of penance at Circus Maximus. Cardinal Chow invited the youth into the Ignatian Examen, encouraging honest reflection on gratitude and challenge, and an openness to God’s loving presence. His afternoon Mass at the Chapel of Gesù Maestro focused on breaking through prejudice and allowing grace to shape their encounters.
Fr. Carlos Cheung SDB reflected, “The cardinal reminded us not to live our lives trapped by our prejudices, as these can prevent us from truly understanding others.” The Salesian approach—rooted in accompaniment and loving kindness—was mirrored in the broader message of the retreat: to see others with God’s eyes and to grow in charity, faith, and hope.
A Universal Call to Hope
Pope Leo XIV’s words at the closing Mass echoed Don Bosco’s own conviction in the potential of the young: “You are the sign that a different world is possible.” He urged the youth to root their lives in prayer, generosity, and the sacraments, drawing inspiration from soon-to-be-canonized Salesian friends—Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
In a deeply moving moment, the pope prayed for two young pilgrims who had died during Jubilee week and offered solidarity with youth suffering in Gaza and Ukraine. “United with Jesus as the branches to the vine, you will bear much fruit. You will be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, seeds of hope wherever you live,” the pope proclaimed.
Looking Ahead: Salesian Mission Continues
As the crowd erupted in joy at the announcement of the next World Youth Day in Seoul (August 3–8, 2027), Salesian youth renewed their commitment to Don Bosco’s dream: to be “good Christians and upright citizens,” building a world of peace and hope. For Salesians and the young people they serve, the Jubilee was not just a celebration—it was a living encounter with Christ and a call to go forth as “pilgri: ms of hope,” witnesses to a world renewed by love, service, and faith.
Courtesy: Sunday EXAMINER, Hongkong
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/25086-hongkong-salesians-journey-with-young-people-at-the-heart-of-the-church#sigProId371c3eb450
