A plot that stands out at a glance. A canvas – the oratory – which has already begun to be colored with the blue, yellow, red, green of the little girls’ hats, with the orange of the entertainers’ t-shirts. We’re not talking about art, but in reality we don’t miss much. In fact, at the gates of summer, the Oratorian experience of Grest 2024 has restarted, built this year on the theme of the journey, as evidenced by the title: “ViaVai – You will show me the path of life”.
Thus also in the diocese of Cremona there are 87 parishes and pastoral units involved – and involving – in this experience, which began in some oratories as early as Monday 10 June, and which continues, in some situations, even until the end of July. Over 12 thousand children and young people registered, led by around 3,900 animators and coordinators, together with the dons and many adults who have guaranteed their availability for the Grest educational proposal this year too.
And, since we are talking about the journey, the narrative proposal of this edition of Grest could only be Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, in an abridged version adapted for children. With two figures as a reference for the daily prayer paths: the story of Jesus, and of the meeting on the road with the disciples of Emmaus, and the journey of Tobit.
Activities in the oratories – entertainment, prayer, games, shows and trips – but also and between oratories: this is the case of the zonal festivals, organized in pastoral zones 2 and 3, both scheduled for 25 June. The first, at the Castelverde oratory, follows the path of traditional festivals, characterized by challenges between the oratories, with children and teenagers who will compete, divided into age groups, in different sports and in the typical Grest games. All introduced by a moment of welcome and prayer in the morning; and after the lunch break we continue until the awards ceremony in the late afternoon. In Cremona, however, the city’s speakers will be involved in a morning which, between prayer and activities dedicated to the theme of the journey, will take them to the Cathedral.
Sports, entertainment and cultural activities, dance and theatre. These are some of the ingredients of the Grest “ViaVai”, with the proposal enriched thanks to the synergy between Focr and some local entities. The theme of the journey can thus be explored in real pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of Caravaggio, where you can experience a day of spirituality and play. Or with a special climb to Torrazzo, or through the cultural proposals organized by CrArT (Cremona art and tourism). Sports games and tournaments can be organized with the support of the Csi, while Il laboratory, Compagnia dei piccolo, Nido dei puppy and Magicoberu offer dance and theater workshops, and shows… all naturally themed Grest.
Intense week for the little ones, but also for their entertainers. And special occasions are planned for them too. In particular, the traditional tournament for entertainers returns to zone 4: kick-off on Tuesday 11th in Sospiro, continuing on 18th June in Malagnino and with the grand finale on 25th June in Vescovato.
www.diocesidicremona.it
