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TRICHY, INDIA –
Revitalise, Rethink, Re-launch: South Asian Salesians Gather to Transform Oratories and Youth Centres
In a move to reshape youth ministry, the Oratories and Youth Centres Coordinators of the South Asian Salesian Provinces gathered at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Trichy from June 26–27, 2026. Representatives from 10 Salesian Provinces united under a single mission: to revitalise, rethink, and re-launch their youth outreach programs.
Grounding the Mission in Don Bosco’s Vision
The two-day meeting opened with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Doss Kennedy, SDB (Provincial of INT). Drawing from Article 40 of the Salesian Constitutions, Fr. Kennedy urged leaders to embody Don Bosco’s original criteria for oratories. Following an inaugural prayer by Fr. Sunny Minj, SDB (IND), Fr. Casimir Raj, SDB (SYM Director, INT), welcomed the delegates, accompanied by a choral performance from the Keeranur Youth Centre.
The two-day meeting opened with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Doss Kennedy, SDB (Provincial of INT). Drawing from Article 40 of the Salesian Constitutions, Fr. Kennedy urged leaders to embody Don Bosco’s original criteria for oratories. Following an inaugural prayer by Fr. Sunny Minj, SDB (IND), Fr. Casimir Raj, SDB (SYM Director, INT), welcomed the delegates, accompanied by a choral performance from the Keeranur Youth Centre.
Analysing Reality and Listening to the Youth
The morning sessions, led by Fr. Patrick Lepcha, SDB (South Asia Youth Animation Coordinator), and Fr. Robert Simon, SDB, assessed the current state of youth centres. They used the Salesian Youth Ministry Frame of Reference to benchmark provincial practices.
The morning sessions, led by Fr. Patrick Lepcha, SDB (South Asia Youth Animation Coordinator), and Fr. Robert Simon, SDB, assessed the current state of youth centres. They used the Salesian Youth Ministry Frame of Reference to benchmark provincial practices.
Key highlights of the event included:
- Provincial Sharing: Delegates exchanged success stories and localised strategies.
- Field Immersion: A visit to the AMSAM Oratory Centre revealed young people’s affection for the Salesians and their expectations for modern youth ministry.
- Spiritual Anchors: Days concluded with community prayers and inspiring "Good Night" thoughts by Vice-Provincial Fr. Victor, SDB.
Focusing on Discernment and Livelihoods
Day two shifted focus toward long-term youth empowerment. Recalling the Salesian World Youth Synod, Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj, SDB, delivered a session on "Young People and Vocational Discernment." He emphasised that leaders must first cultivate their own Salesian spirituality to effectively guide the young.
Day two shifted focus toward long-term youth empowerment. Recalling the Salesian World Youth Synod, Fr. Gabriel Karunaraj, SDB, delivered a session on "Young People and Vocational Discernment." He emphasised that leaders must first cultivate their own Salesian spirituality to effectively guide the young.
Fr. Gabriel also highlighted the growth of the Don Bosco Job Placement Network. Inspired by Article 27 of the Constitutions, this network provides sustainable livelihoods to thousands of young people across India by bridging education and employment.
The Way Forward
The final session, moderated by Fr. Patrick Lepcha, SDB, challenged participants to identify current obstacles at the individual, youth, and societal levels. Through intense collaboration, the coordinators finalised a strategic "Way Forward" plan to modernise their centres and clarified the key steps ahead.
The final session, moderated by Fr. Patrick Lepcha, SDB, challenged participants to identify current obstacles at the individual, youth, and societal levels. Through intense collaboration, the coordinators finalised a strategic "Way Forward" plan to modernise their centres and clarified the key steps ahead.
The event concluded with the collection of digital feedback. Delegates returned to their respective provinces spiritually renewed and deeply committed to elevating their local youth ministries.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
