BRAZIL: Salesian oratory provides sports and education to more than 2,000 youth in 2025
Activities free for youth aged 14-24
BRAZIL
(MissionNewswire) The Salesian-run Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory is a place of education, respite and fellowship for the youth of Goiânia, Brazil. Inaugurated in September 2024, the oratory provides youth with a place for sports, culture and educational activities. Held on Saturdays, the activities are free for youth aged 14-24.
Since its inception, the Bartholomew Garelli Oratory has seen growth in participation with more than 2,000 young people attending in 2025. Offering snacks and workshops such as futsal, volleyball, and basketball, the oratory has become part of the weekly routine for Goiânia’s youth coming from many different regions.
By offering participants a safe, educational, and fraternal environment, the oratory fulfils a role that goes beyond leisure. It’s a space for learning teamwork and peer engagement and for listening, guidance, and youth leadership. Youth gain new friendships, develop social-emotional skills and feel they belong to a community that believes in their potential.
Father Wagner Gama, rectory, said, “The Salesian Congregation did not begin with schools, parishes, or universities, but with the oratory. Don Bosco’s purpose was precisely to care for those who were poorest through this mission environment. When we strengthen oratories, we are strengthening what is at the beginning of Don Bosco’s work.”
Antônio Tavares, aged 16, likes the oratory because it is a place where he can have fun with friends. He explained, “The first time I came was because a friend of mine invited me, saying that the oratory was really cool. I came to play with him and now I come every Saturday because it really is a great place and a great time to spend with friends. There are snacks, and the courts are good quality. The educators are also very dedicated, which keeps the project going and improving every day.”
Caroline Matos, aged 16, has been coming to the oratory since 2024. She noted, “They welcomed me very well. It is a peaceful environment where the educators treat us as if we were their children. It’s amazing because we can come to play and talk. I feel a love that we don’t normally feel from other people. I love participating.”
Even those youth who have been involved in other Salesian activities in the region long before the oratory are benefiting. Pedro Santiago, aged 17, explained that he got to know the oratory when he participated in the CESAM Goiânia Socio-Learning Program. He said, “It’s very interactive here, with lots of interesting activities and sports. I really like it because it helps me stay in shape. I also get to spend time with my former coworkers and the teachers.”
According to Fr. Gama, the goal is to offer youth more opportunities, hope and paths to a better future. He concluded, “The Bartholomew Garelli Festive Oratory was a great pastoral initiative and is flourishing. For this year, we hope that it will be an even greater support to youth.”
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Brazil
World Bank – Brazil
