The Association of Guides and Scouts of Europe (AGSE) promoted a meeting with about 1,600 chiefs of scouts of Europe, in Mount Saint-Michel, France
Newsroom (14/05/2023 16:00, Gaudium Press) The Association of Guides and Scouts of Europe (AGSE) promoted, between May 6 and 8, a meeting with the leaders of the Scouts of Europe, in Mount Saint-Michel, France.
On May 6, exactly 1,646 Scout leaders, men and women, gathered near Mount Saint-Michel to cross the bay towards the abbey.
Once they arrived at Mont Saint-Michel, the Scouts had a period of prayer and meditation. A ceremony was also organized to bless the “Baussant”, as the Association’s banner is known, which bears an eight-pointed cross on a black and white background.
This is the first major assembly of the Scoutmasters since 2018. Besides being the first event after Covid, the 2023 edition is special because it recalls the first pilgrimage of the pioneers of the Scouting movement.
In 1966, the first pilgrimage to Mount Saint-Michel was made. The pilgrimage of ’66 is the origin of the symbol used by the AGSE Scouts, the famous “Baussant” banner.
It was adorned on this occasion with its present black and white background, symbolizing the fight against good and evil. A struggle that was portrayed in playful activities over the past weekend among the Scouts.
After climbing Mount Saint-Michel, the Scouts were camped in the castle of Bonnefontaine, about 20 kilometers from the Abbey of Mount Saint Michel. At the camp, they had other activities during the three days of the meeting.
In addition to games and conferences on scouting techniques, the Scouts’ weekend was filled with moments of prayer, silence and participation in Holy Mass. The religious aspect reveals a little of the “missionary” character of the Scouts. (FM)
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
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