RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil.
In the days before the start of WYD (World Youth Day) in Rio de Janeiro, an encounter of TA (Teresian Association) Youth from the Americas was held on the weekend of July 20-21 in the Teresian School. About 100 young people from Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Brazil participated with joy, inspired by the charism of St. Pedro Poveda.
The weekend was very intense for the young pilgrims, students, and teachers of the Teresian School. Together they participated in a cultural integration activity.
On Saturday, in the schoolyard there were joyful meetings, talks and entertainment. Also time there was time for discussion and reflection. The youth of the Teresian School shared their experiences of participation in political demonstrations in different cities in Brazil, demanding better conditions of education and health for all. They exchanged their experiences with Chilean youth, who had participated in student movements in their country.
Sunday was a day of bonding as Teresian family. The objective was to share what is being done in the different schools of the Teresian Association in America along the lines of human development and social projects. The participants expressed that it was very exciting to hear the testimonies of young people who believe and claim that "another world is possible."
The Eucharist was celebrated at the end of the day in the school chapel. It was very moving. Then there was a cultural evening, time to socialize, laugh, sing and play. It was organized by the young hosts of Rio de Janeiro.
About two hundred young people stayed at the Teresian School facilities in Rio de Janeiro. They will participate in all the popular events, starting with the welcoming of Pope Francisco to Brazil.
Susana Sacavino, in her communication with people of the Teresian Association in different countries, has shared that "the city is mobilized in every way, receiving and welcoming many young pilgrims and preparing the spaces for the big encounters. It is difficult to imagine how we are here in Copacabana, where the Via Sacra and the initial mass will take place.”
“We know that you will join us from your countries with prayers and watching TV. Of course the long awaited by all, Pope Francisco, will be here,” concluded Susana Sacavino.
Preparation Days
Monica Campos Babtista, from Rio de Janeiro, sent early reports on youth activities of the Teresian Association.
On July 18 we received the first pilgrims who came to World Youth Day. Peru's group arrived on Thursday night, ready to face the marathon of WYD. We expected the delegation of Chile on Friday, July19th, in the morning but due to some unexpected circumstances on the border, thy arrived on Saturday, 24 hours later than planned. It was a very tiring journey of 70 hours that did not influence the group’s high spirits. The group from Uruguay arrived at the airport the night of July 19 and went straight to the Teresian School, where they were welcomed with a bedtime snack.
In the morning of July 19 there was a splendid sun with a pleasant winter temperature. Many of the youth of the Teresian School joined the pilgrims in a joyful fellowship with plenty of games - soccer, volleyball- and a joint prayer in the chapel of the school. With the same enthusiasm they organized a tour. They visited PUC-Rio, the Shopping of Gávea (neighborhood around the school) and they took the opportunity to taste a typical Brazilian product: the “asai.” They came back for a meal at the school and then, with the same energy and willingness, accompanied by students of the Teresian School, the group from Peru enjoyed a swim at the beach in Leblon. They returned tired but happy, enjoying new friendships. And so went the first day ... The young people from Argentina arrived the following day.
"Welcome to all to this land of warm and caring people" expressed the Brazilian youth.
Info.IT
Information by Mónica Babtista Campos and Susana Sacavino