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SYMFEST Celebrates Youth, Faith, and Unity
Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu

SYMFEST Celebrates Youth, Faith, and Unity

News written by: Thomas William

The South Asian Salesian Youth Movement Fest (SYMFEST 2024-25), scheduled from December 29, 2024, to January 1, 2025, organized by Don Bosco Youth Animation South Asia and the Salesian Province of Chennai, unfurled with immense grandeur at the esteemed Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, India. The festival has over 1,800 Salesian youth and youth delegates across South Asia, including delegations from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Their collective presence was a poignant reminder of the unifying power of the Salesian community and its commitment to the shared ideals of service, fraternity, and faith.

The NCC of the College welcomed the Chief Guests Father Don Bosco, Provincial, Salesian Province of Chennai, Mr. Nandakumar IRS, Income Tax Department, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Mr. Jayaseelan IDAS, Ministry of Defense, Government of India, who let free the doves and declared open the event. Father Praveen Peter SDB, Rector of Sacred Heart College, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the forthcoming celebrations.

The inaugural proceedings featured an oath-taking ceremony, wherein the vibrant youth, with fervour and commitment, pledged to uphold core values such as environmental stewardship, equality, and fraternity—principles central to the very essence of the Salesian ethos. The gathering was further honoured by the virtual address of Father Miguel Angel SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry. His speech extolled the timeless virtues of St. John Bosco, underscoring the relevance of his teachings to the modern world.

Father Don Bosco SDB, Provincial, Salesian Province of Chennai, the Provincial In charge of Youth Ministry, bestowed his blessings upon the assembly. With deep conviction, he emphasized the paramount importance of youth engagement in fostering social responsibility and advancing the cause of progress within their communities.

The event also saw the participation of eminent guest speakers, including Mr. Nanda Kumar, IRS, Income Tax Department, Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Jayaseelan IDAS, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Their insightful words delved into St. John Bosco's exemplary life and enduring legacy while offering profound reflections on the role of youth in overcoming contemporary challenges and charting a path toward a more just and harmonious world.

The students of Sacred Heart College presented an exquisite array of cultural performances, including Bharatanatyam, dance, and drama—each performance resonating with the theme of national unity and shared cultural heritage. These spectacular artistic expressions served as a testament to the diverse talents and creativity of the young participants.

Father Patrick Lepcha SDB delivered the vote of thanks at the closure of the inaugural session. The ceremony also saw the esteemed presence of Salesian priests, including Father John Christy SDB, Father Jesudas SDB, Father D. Maria Antony Raj SDB, the Principal of Sacred Heart College, along with Father K.A. Maria Arokiaraj SDB, the Additional Principal, and distinguished delegates from various FMAs across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

The celebration of the Holy Mass was a central and profoundly sacred moment of the South Asian Salesian Youth Movement Fest SYM 2024 -25. Father Don Bosco SDB and the other Salesian priests presided over the solemn liturgical service.

The Holy Mass enveloped participants in an atmosphere of spirituality, reflecting St. John Bosco's teachings on living a life of holiness in service to others. The sacred gathering offered a space for the youth to renew their faith, seek guidance, and embrace their shared mission of spreading love, compassion, and service. The Mass became a moment of personal renewal and collective solidarity through hymns and prayers, highlighting the Salesian values of religion, reason, and loving-kindness.  

 

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