Salesian Youth Day
Tokyo, Japan, From 7 to 8 May 2016 - 40 young people involved with the Salesian Family, aged 18 to 30, gathered for the Salesian Youth Day - Night Pilgrim Walk in Tokyo.
This pilgrimage on foot was prepared by the young staff of SYM Japan. The theme of the pilgrimage, the second one following last year’s pilgrimage, was “With Jesus!! Let’s walk with Jesus!” Its aim was to deepen each one’s bond with the Lord Jesus who accompanies the youth in life’s journey, as well as to strengthen mutual relationship among the Salesian youth through walking together the long distance of 20km.
The participants gathered at the Salesian Seminariate in Chofu, Tokyo on the evening of 7th, cooked and ate supper together, then listened to a teaching on the faith of Don Bosco and of the Salesians. There was the lighting of the guiding light, “Don Bosco Lantern”, followed by prayer at the parish church in the compound. The pilgrims then started on their journey after exchanging “high fives”, one by one, with the statue of Don Bosco.
The young pilgrims stopped on their way and were warmly welcomed by the Salesian Sisters at Meguro Seibi High-school, in spite of it being wee hours of the morning, and took some time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel, as well as some time of rest.
On the 8th, at 6 in the morning, all participants arrived in good shape at their final destination, the Himon-ya Salesian Church in Meguro. Fr. Loro Piana, the parish priest, welcomed the pilgrims and together they offered prayers of thanks-giving to the Blessed Mother Mary. Breakfast, Sunday Mass, time of reflection and sharing followed, accompanied also by the Provincial, Fr. Mario Yamanouchi.
The youths who participated were young men and women from different groups, Christians and non-Christians, and of different ages, but they had one sure thing in common: love for Don Bosco, for the Salesian spirit.
Through this pilgrimage on foot, mass, adoration, sharing and reflection, the young pilgrims were able to get to know and reflect on the journey of life leading to God who is the meaning of life, and on life in faith in the Salesian way.
The mass and the time of reflection which followed were very fulfilling moments. Fr. Mario Yamanouchi joined in the sharing with encouraging words for the youths who shared what they had learned through walking the pilgrimage together and about the inspirations they had received which would help them to grow further.
Thank you, Jesus, for being with us on the way. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!
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