An encounter was held in Portugal bringing together the Canossian Charismatic Family of Queluz de Baixo — sisters and lay members — and the Scout group of Mafra, in a simple and fraternal atmosphere marked by sharing and closeness. Hosted at the Queluz Fire Brigade headquarters, the initiative became a meaningful moment of dialogue between generations and different life journeys, united by the desire to grow in faith and service.
At the heart of the meeting was the presentation of Saint Josephine Bakhita, chosen nationally as patron of the Scouts for the year 2026. Her story — marked by the suffering of slavery and transformed through her encounter with the love of God — was offered to the young people as a testimony of inner freedom, hope and trust. After years of violence and humiliation, Bakhita arrived in Italy, discovered the Christian faith, received Baptism and embraced religious life in the Institute of the Canossian Daughters of Charity, becoming a luminous witness of forgiveness and peace.
The choice of Bakhita as a spiritual guide for the Scouts was seen as an invitation to face life’s challenges with courage, cultivating resilience, human dignity and fraternity — values deeply consonant with the spirit of Scouting and with the Gospel.
The Canossian charism was also presented during the encounter, rooted in the merciful love of God revealed in Jesus Crucified and made tangible through education, evangelisation and service to the poorest. Saint Magdalene of Canossa was proposed as an example of creative and missionary faith: a woman capable of responding to the needs of her time with generosity and vision, leaving a legacy that continues today through the lives of sisters and lay people who share her charism.
One of the most moving moments was dedicated to vocational testimonies. Sisters Bertília, Imaculada, Ervínia and Carla shared with simplicity their personal journey of calling, speaking of the joy of renewing each day their “yes” to God in the Canossian mission. Lay members Alice, Fátima and Iola also offered their experience, showing how Magdalene’s charism can be lived in daily life — within families, workplaces and communities — through concrete gestures of charity and attentive care for others.
More than a formation session, the gathering became an experience of communion and shared mission. Through the life of Saint Bakhita, the inspiration of Saint Magdalene and the living witness of sisters and lay people, the young participants were invited to recognise that every life can become a response of love and service.
Voices from the gathering
“The Holy Spirit is the strength and light that enlightens us and shows us the path to follow. My experience as a Canossian lay woman shows me each day, in moments of formation and in daily challenges, that I too am one of the keys hanging from that red thread.” Alice Costa, Canossian lay member
“I felt that the Scouts are well formed and act with calm, peace and responsibility. For me, it was also a moment of trust and strength in sharing my vocational experience.” Sr Bertília
“I am grateful to have taken part in the meeting and to have shared the example of Saint Bakhita, showing how she faced difficulties and found true freedom in Christ. I hope I encouraged the young people never to give up and always to keep the ability to smile and forgive.” Iola Amaral, Canossian lay member
“The charism of Saint Magdalene in serving the poorest is very close to Scout values. As a former Scout and now a Canossian lay member, I immediately felt in harmony with both realities.” Fátima Oliveira, Canossian lay member
“It was a time of grace to make known Bakhita’s life, her mission and our charism. The Scouts were attentive, their eyes fixed on those who were speaking.” Sr Imaculada
“I was deeply happy to share our charism, our spirituality and our mission with adolescents, young people and leaders. I carry with me a profound sense of gratitude for everyone’s attentive and serene participation.” Sr Ervínia
As the journey of 2026 unfolds under the protection of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the hope is that this encounter will continue to bear fruits of growth, fraternity and evangelical commitment, so that every young person may discover that true freedom
Cover Photo, Maxiliam Meyer
