Archdiocese of Nampula
From the 17th to the 20th of November of the current year, the II National Youth Day of Mozambique took place in the city of Nampula, located in the northern region of the country, in which many young people from all the dioceses of the country took part. : Nacala, Pemba, Lichinga, Gurué, Quelimane, Beira, Chimoio, Tete, Inhambane, Xai-Xai and Maputo, The Day had as its theme: “We found the Messiah” (Jn 1,41). “Accompanying Young People in the Church and in Society Today”. The Day began with the Eucharistic celebration in the Cathedral, presided over by Dom Inácio Saure, Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nampula.
On the 18th and 19th we had catechesis in the respective parishes of the city, with the themes: Encounter with Christ: starting point for accompanying young people and The challenge of accompanying young people in choosing their professional orientation and discernment.
These themes were of a formative nature, and we had the opportunity to share them in small groups. On the afternoon of the 19th, we participated in the inter-religious meeting at the Nampula Sports Pavilion, with the presence of many young people from various religions, who performed dances and songs about peace.
After the meeting, we made the pilgrimage, with the Cross of the Day, through the streets of the city, to the Cathedral, where the vigil mass would be held. There was also a lecture by Father Rafael Sapato, Director of the Interregional Association of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), on the theme: “Single mothers”. Then there was the Eucharistic Adoration and a cultural moment, which culminated with the Mass for the sending of pilgrims presided over by Dom Inácio Saure, president of the Local Organizing Committee of the II JNJ and other priests from other dioceses.
It was a truly edifying meeting, where we had the opportunity to experience the encounter with the Messiah, and build bridges of friendship, hope, fraternity, and solidarity with other young people.
Sr. Atija Albino, sjbp