This visit was planned to start on 12th up to 14th February 2026 but it was pushed ahead for one day due to an incident occurred at Kampala airport. Accompanied by Fr Jerry Matsoumbou, the Animator of all youth activities in the two regions of Africa and Fr Frédéric Murindangabo, the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry of AGL, Fr Rafael BEJARANO RIVERA arrived at the St Kizito Salesian Community towards midnight of 13th amidst of a crowd of young people who had been waiting for him since the morning. They were welcomed by the beautiful sounds of the musical instruments of the Brass Band. Fr Rafael had several activities on his agenda.
After the community Mass on 14th Feb morning, he held a meeting with the teaching staff and the collaborators of Palabek Salesian community, the youths, the catechists, the animators, etc. In an atmosphere of familiarity and joy, they shared with him their experiences in working or collaborating with the Salesians and the challenges they faced in their daily life in the settlement and in being with the Salesians. For his part, the General Councillor thanked them for their steadfastness and joy of life. He then took the opportunity of presenting to them, in a simple affordable way, the topics of their Human Rights, basing himself on the following three topics: the Dignity, the Social work and the Sustainability inspired by the Gospel of Luke
7: 11-17.
Afterwards, he visited some refugees’ homes, sitting down, chatting, singing, joking, praying with them and showering blessings from the Most High upon all. Everywhere he was accompanied by Fr Jerry, in charge of Youth Ministry in Africa, and Fr Frédéric in charge of Youth Ministry in the AGL Province, also accompanied by the Salesian community of Palabek, some young people and collaborators.
In the afternoon, he gathered all young people in the VTC compound where the young people expressed themselves about their life with the Salesians in the settlement through talks, dances, songs and musical instruments. This moment of happiness was crowned by the Holy Rosary recited together with all young people in great respect and silence. Around 8:00 pm, Fr Rafael blessed all before separating.
On the morning of 15th February, the festivities of the Solemnity of Don Bosco in the Palabek settlement came to an end by the Holy Eucharist in honour of the Saint of Youth. It was attended by a large crowd of Christians and young people, after which the awards of the Don Bosco Quiz and the football and volleyball tournament were given to the winners.
In the afternoon, he said goodbye to the people of Palabek and went back to Kampala in order to continue to Kigali on the following day. In addition, the scheduled programme after his visit to AGL, is that he will go to ACC (Afrique Congo Congo) and later to ATE (Afrique Tropicale et Equatoriale) Provinces before flying back to Rome.
Father Diomède NIJIMBERE, sdb
