Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Over 3,500 young people, for the most part from Asia, were in Manila between 3 and 7 February to take part in the Pilgrimage of Trust sponsored by the Taize Community in Asia. Although most were from the Philippines, there were also 500 young people from other Asian countries and 200 from Europe and from America. There were also some Muslims from Mindanao. During the Pilgrimage the non-Philippine young people were hosted by families around the country; on the final days by those in Manila. The Prior of Taizé, Brother Alois, together with other Brothers from his Community were guests at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Manila Makati. Many Salesians also took part in the activities: about 80 professed, as well as over 50 aspirants, prenovices and young Salesians in formation.
In an interview given in the courtyard of the Don Bosco Technical Institute Brother Alois said he knew a number of Salesians in various parts of the world and also remembered a visit he had made to Haiti some years before with the founder of the Taizé community, Brother Roger, during which he had also been to the “Cité Soleil” and the Salesian parish. During the event, Brother Alois celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco at the Don Bosco Technical Institute with the Youth Ministry and preparatory teams. To the question what he thought about the “Project for Europe,” being promoted by the Salesian Congregation, Brother Alois commented that in the old continent the young seemed “lost” in their pursuit of meaning and that marginalised young people needed a Salesian education. Throughout the world there are about one hundred Taizé Brothers, and a good number of them were in Manila for this event. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 10/2/2010)
