‘Campamento Infantil 2026’ gathered 200 children in Malabo to celebrate faith, unity, and the Church ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit.
Newsroom (08/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Equatorial Guinea have brought infectious enthusiasm and faith to the heart of Malabo through ‘Campamento Infantil 2026’, a vibrant youth gathering that united 200 children, 35 animators, and the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco for three days of spiritual enrichment and celebration.
“It was three days of great enthusiasm during which we placed the Church at the center, spoke about the Pope, and prayed for him,” shared Sister Giusy Becchero, FMA, speaking to Fides. “It was a wonderful experience which, like all beautiful experiences, touches the heart.”
Celebrating ‘Christ Lives!’
Held from March 28 to 30 at the Malabo mission, the camp’s theme, “Christ Lives!”, guided every activity and reflection. Across workshops, prayer sessions, reflection groups, and tournaments, the children were invited to discover the vitality of faith as lived through community. As Sister Giusy explained, “We celebrated Mass, carried out workshops, held reflection groups and prayer sessions, tournaments and a cultural night—an activity already well-known in our context. Our children’s families have faith in us and in our leaders.”
A Journey Through the Easter Triduum
Central to the program was a retracing of the Easter Triduum, emphasizing both the significance of the Church and the Pope’s role as Universal Pastor. Each of the ten reflection and activity groups bore the name of a saint — Saint Carlo Acutis, Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, Saint Kisito, Saint Josefina Bakhita, among others — meant to inspire the young participants to cultivate holiness and a deeper sense of belonging within the Church.
Voices of Experience and Community
The camp opened with moments of prayer and sharing, allowing participants to bond over testimonies from three friends of the mission. Their reflections reminded everyone of the value of prayer, mutual respect, and commitment to doing one’s work well. “These beautiful testimonies motivated us and created an atmosphere of listening, respect, and great enthusiasm,” Sister Giusy affirmed.
A Cultural Celebration of Faith
Among the highlights was the ‘cultural night’, a dazzling celebration of Equatorial Guinea’s traditions, complete with songs, dances, and theatrical performances prepared by the children themselves. “We immersed ourselves in an evening rich in colours and music that made us feel happy and proud to live in this land,” Sister Giusy recalled.
Building a Future of Peace and Hope
As the country prepares for the eagerly awaited visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for April 21–23, 2026, the spirit of the camp resonates nationally. “I thank the Salesian animators who, with Salesian passion and a Salesian heart, continue to walk alongside the ‘little ones’ of this land to build a future of Peace and Hope,” Sister Giusy concluded.
The camp’s message — faith alive through community — stands as a beacon of joy and renewal for Equatorial Guinea, reminding all that the Church, like its young faithful, thrives where hearts open to one another in hope.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form Fides News
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