Marco Carvalho
About fifty children and youth were invited to reflect on the meaning of Lent and how they can integrate Lenten practices in their life. The initiative brought together members of both the Lusophone Scouts Group of Macau (GELMac) and the catechesis group of Our Lady of Carmel parish. The meeting, which was held at the seaside resort of Cheoc Van, introduced the participants to the patron saints of the National Corps of Scouts, the Portuguese Catholic Scouting movement.
The initiative’s primary aim was to provide for a closer relationship between the scouts and the children that attend catechesis in Our Lady of Carmel Church. On the first Sunday of each month, the members of the Lusophone Scouts Group take part in the celebration of the Eucharist in Taipa’s only church. The procedure gave rise to the enhancement of closer ties between GELMac and the Portuguese-speaking community of Our Lady of Carmel parish: “Some of our members collaborated with the catechists in a few of the catechesis sessions, which normally take place right after Mass. Following these first contacts, we decided we should carry out a joint activity, so that we could strengthen ties between the Lusophone scouts and the catechesis group. The activity was very successful. We expect to carry out other similar activities in the near future,” Nelson António, GELMac’s Scout Group Leader told O Clarim.
Saturday’s initiative was the second to bring together the members of the Portuguese-speaking Scouts Group of Macau and the children that attend catechesis at Our Lady of Carmel parish. The gathering had a pedagogical nature, but also the distinctly spiritual purpose of preparing the younger for the period of Lent: “The main objective of the meeting was to introduce our children and youth to the various Patrons of the National Corps of Scouts, namely Saint Francis of Assissi (patron saint of the WolfCubs), Saint James the Greater (patron saint of the Explorers) and Saint Peter ( patron saint of the Pioneers),” Mr. António told O Clarim. “Work groups were also organized to address the theme “Reflection on Lent/Invitation to Penance,” following the invitation to reflect on the true meaning of Lent that was made by Pope Francis. There were, therefore, two different moments of reflection, games, and a shared lunch. The activity culminated with the celebration of the Eucharist, at the end of the activity. Parents were also invited to attend the Mass,” the Scout Group Leader revealed.
In early April, the Lusophone Scouts Group of Macau will celebrate, once again in the Church of Our Lady of Carmel, the investiture ceremony of several of its members. Last Saturday’s gathering paved the way for the annual oath-taking ceremony that will take place on the 3rd of April: “It is an important part of the preparation path to the oath-taking ceremony. They need to know the Patron saints of the various sections and, for that reason, we decided to address this issue at this meeting. We also took the opportunity to call on their protection. We asked them to protect humanity, especially those that are currently suffering the full horror of war,” Mr. António emphasized.
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