On Tuesday, January 28^th, groups of youth and choirs from all parishes of the Western Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (South Sudan), arrived in Ave Maria Parish. In total they were 583 people from 8 parishes. Most of them arrived by foot, walking for 30 to 50 km, although some came by bicycle or motorbike. They carried their own food.

In Ave Maria we hosted them in the Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary school. This was the annual gathering. They came escorted by Fr. Mark, the Episcopal Vicar of the Western Deanery and Parish Priest of Tombura, and by Fr. Vairi, the Parish Priest of Mupoi. With them was also the diocesan youth coordinator, Sr. Irene.

During the days in Ave Maria, apart from the daily celebration of the Eucharist in the morning and the prayer of the Rosary in the evening that would take each day about one hour, there were talks during the day attended by all participants, on Peace and Reconciliation, Faith, Liturgy, HIV and self-reliance.

On Friday, January 31^st, there was the celebration of Saint John Bosco, their patron saint. It was celebrated open air with the attendance of government officials from Tombura and Source Yubu and more than 1.500 faithful. The day ended with dance until past midnight.

On Saturday, February 1^st, the various groups returned to their respective parishes.

Fr. Avelino Bassols MCSPA