Youth from Rio Grande do Sul at Bote Fé!

On November 15th, at the SESI Gymnasium in Caxias do Sul/RS, the IV BOTE FÉ da Juventude (4th Youth Faith Event) took place, bringing together approximately 4,000 people from 10 am to 10 pm, with 12 hours of programming, strengthening, protagonism of Catholic youth, music, meetings, reunions with friends, moments of prayer, confessions, integration, and visits to the Vocational Tents.

The meeting was organized by the Youth Evangelization Service of the Southern Region 3 of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), which covers the entire state of Rio Grande do Sul, and by the Diocese of Caxias do Sul, with the support of the Vocational Animation Service and the Southern Region 3.

The meeting began at 10:00 AM with music and a moment of prayer, bringing to the Sesi stage the icon of Mary, a symbol that has accompanied the organization of youth activities since the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro in 2013. Immediately afterwards, the auxiliary bishop of Porto Alegre and reference for youth in the Southern Region 3, Bishop Darley José Kummer, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration, which was concelebrated by several bishops and priests from Rio Grande do Sul. In his homily, Bishop Darley called the young people to take a leading role: “You are God's now, the Church's now, and society's now. Occupy your places. If you don't occupy them, nobody will. The Church is in charge.” "I am by your side, even with gray hairs and not understanding everything, but I walk with you. Have the courage to proclaim Christ, to be seeds of hope.”

In the afternoon, the program continued with workshops, also called catecheses, which addressed youth themes such as life choices and vocations, artificial intelligence, and holiness based on the example of Saint Carlo Acutis and young people who witnessed their faith. A scavenger hunt also engaged the young people in the Sesi Gymnasium.

Each religious person present had the opportunity to introduce themselves and also organized the Vocational Tent, where participants could learn about each charism in the life of the Church. During the afternoon, the stage at the SESI Gymnasium also hosted two bands formed by young people active in the Church in Rio Grande do Sul. They were chosen through the "My Band at Bote Fé" contest, which featured the groups "72 Peregrinos" from the Diocese of Cruz Alta and "Essência de Cristo" from the Diocese of Vacaria.

The conclusion of Bote Fé had two special moments: adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by the diocesan bishop of Caxias do Sul, Dom José Gislon, who prayed for all young people, especially those facing difficult situations in their studies and work, followed by a national show by the band Missionário Shalom, who came from Fortaleza to encourage young people to seek the true meaning of life.

For us, who participated, it was a challenge and at the same time a great joy to be present among the youth, seeing so many young people from diverse groups, all gathered for a single objective: to be close to God and to their brothers and sisters. It's wonderful to see that the Church is alive, the Church has a youthful face.

Sr. Ilda Conte, sjbp e Graziela Andrade, Pauline Cooperator