Egypt – Young people gather for Salesian Youth Movement meeting

Wadi al-Natrun, Egypt – August 2022 – On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, the SYM Meet of Egypt began. The three Salesian houses from Cairo-El Sahel, Cairo-Zeitun, and Alexandria, Egypt, gathered in the area of the Natrun Valley, the site of the ancient monasteries of the first desert monks, a place midway between Cairo and Alexandria. The 130 participants, including Salesians, youth and nuns, lived together in fraternity and sharing. Among them were also 5 young people from the Province of Central Italy, who participated in the summer missionary experience in past years and joyfully took up this invitation. The common thread that accompanied the participants during these days was the reading and reflection on Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit. Thanks to the Salesians and the FMA, the youths reflected on what vocation means and the call of Jesus. They also asked numerous questions to the consecrated men and women, who give their lives for them every day. The discussion was also an opportunity to have fun and make friends. Finally, on Saturday, August 20, the Priestly Ordination of Salesian Fr. Edward Gobran was celebrated, a young Egyptian who has been in formation these years and has responded with courage and perseverance to God’s call and is now ready to give his life for young people, especially the poorest in the wounded Middle East.