NEWS
It is a REFERENCE POINT, (not an organization) of many groups and associations animated by the Salesian Spirituality and Pedagogy.
The South Asian Salesian Youth Movement Fest (SYMFEST 2024) concluded with a celebration embodying unity, faith, and youth leadership. Hosted at Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, the final day of this transformative event profoundly reflected the values and mission of the Salesian community, leaving participants inspired and renewed.
The second day of the South Asian Salesian Youth Movement Fest (SYMFEST) in Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, India, on December 30, 2024, was an enriching and dynamic experience designed to inspire, reflect, and celebrate the values of youth engagement, environmental responsibility, and interfaith harmony. The participants engaged in meaningful discussions, interactive sessions, and vibrant celebrations, each contributing uniquely to the day’s themes.
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 Multi-Talent Contest of SYMFEST 2024 took place on the evening of 29th December, featuring an exciting array of artistic and creative performances showcasing the participants' diverse talents. It brought together young artists from various disciplines to celebrate their creativity, teamwork, and passion. It provided an opportunity to foster a sense of companionship and shared experience. The events included the Theme Song, Dance Performance, Rangoli Drawing, Creative Art, Canvas Painting, and Tableau Presentation.
Tirupattur, the Sandal City of Tamil Nadu, is set to witness an extraordinary convergence of youthful energy and purpose as SYMFEST 2024-25 begins tomorrow at the historic Sacred Heart College. Hosted by the Salesian Province of Chennai, this landmark event celebrates the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine. It brings together over 1,500 young participants from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the theme “Anchored in Hope: Young People as Agents of Change.”
The Regional Meeting of Youth Ministry Delegates of South Asia was held at Don Bosco Panjim, Goa, from October 31 to November 4 with Youth Ministry Delegates from 11 provinces across India and Sri Lanka. Organized by the Youth Ministry Department of the Congregation in collaboration with Don Bosco Youth Animation (DBYA), South Asia, New Delhi, the meeting brought together representatives dedicated to taking forward youth ministry across the region.
The Don Bosco Institute in Guwahati played host to the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) – Leaders and Animators Formation Programme (LAF) 2024 from September 5 to 7, drawing youth from the three Northeast Provinces of Guwahati, Dimapur and Shillong. The event, held at the vibrant campus of Don Bosco Institute, saw a remarkable turnout of 77 participants from across the seven states of North East India.
The Salesian Youth Synod (SYS 2024), an event marked by deep reflection and dynamic engagement, has entered its final stages with a clear focus on the future of the Salesian movement and its impact on young people worldwide. Hosted at Valdocco, the birthplace of Don Bosco, the Synod has brought together 376 participants, including 292 young people from 93 countries. The SYS 2024 is a significant event commemorating the bicentenary of Don Bosco's transformative dream at the age of nine. The synod began on August 11, 2024.
In a heartening display of empathy and collaboration, the Rilang Children`s Home welcomed the members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), marking a day filled with compassion and camaraderie on February 23.
The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Youth Fest 2023 was held from December 1to 3 at St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong, with the objective to unite youth from Salesian schools and parishes, serving as a platform for character building and providing valuable guidance as they navigate the challenges of youth. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth hailing from various Salesian institutions and parishes like St Anthony’s School, Auxilium Convent, Don Bosco School, Smit, St John Bosco School, Sohra, and Parish communities – Rangblang, Sonapahar & Riangdo, and Laitkroh.
The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Gujarat held a captivating three-day youth seminar titled, The Dream that Makes You Dream, from November 13 to 15 at the AmrutDhara Don Bosco Animation Centre, Kapadvanj. Aligned with the Strenna 2024 of the Rector Major, the seminar brought together around 80 enthusiastic young minds to explore the power of dreams and their potential to shape a brighter future.
The Indian youth, with Salesians attending the World Youth Day celebrations in Lisbon, Portugal, proceeded to Turin and relived the Oratory experience. The Indian contingent of 66, accompanied by Salesians, moved to Turin after the solemn concluding Mass of WYD at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.
Divya S, a member of Bosco Youth Karnataka, Bangalore, is elected to the World Council of Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). She will represent the South Asia Region in SYM World Council.
The opening session of the virtual meet of the Salesian Youth Movement Coordinators of South Asian Region on the International Youth Day [12 Aug 2020] was addressed by Father Jerry Thomas Don Bosco South Asia Green Alliance Coordinator. Speaking on ``Empowering the Young to lead Movements`` he invited SYM animators and leaders to ``Listen to the dreams of the young and enable them to live their dreams and passions.`` The challenge thrown to the 16 participants representing the provinces of South Asia was, ``What is the non-negotiable rule of your presence? Is it that every young person who visits any of the Salesian presence feels like returning again?``