NEWS
The annual gathering of young people from various oratory centers, parishes, and church units in Nagaland and Assam took place on November 3 at Salesian College, Dimapur, on the theme ‘Eucharist the way to Heaven,’ based on the Cyber Apostle, Bl. Carlo Acutis. Organized to deepen faith, strengthen community ties, and celebrate cultural heritage, the event drew approximately 500 participants. Brothers from the Salesian College community engaged these young individuals for a day of spiritual renewal, personal growth, and joyous celebration.
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.
Excitement peaked as the Youth of Mary Help of Christians, Naigaon, Mumbai, hosted its Annual Football Extravaganza. Held at Don Bosco High School and Junior College Turf on June 30, the event was a spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and community spirit. The football team Vmaads outplayed Savage Stallions to clinch a 2-1 victory. Sixteen teams representing various neighbourhoods, schools, and local clubs came together to compete for the coveted championship title.
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.
Echoes, the Youth Synods of the Province of St. Joseph Hyderabad, were celebrated in two phases. The first Youth Synod was held on 13 and 14 January in BIRDY, Hyderabad, with 140 youth and 12 youth coordinators from Telangana and Rayalaseema participating. The second Youth Synod on 26 and 27 January was held at Don Bosco Chiguru Children’s Village near Vijayawada, with 170 youth and ten youth coordinators from Andhra Pradesh.
In a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and unity, the Don Bosco Youth Services of the Province of Bangalore (INK) organized the CUL-EX 2023 event at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Bangalore on November 25 and 26. The event was masterminded under the guidance of Father Uday Kumar, the Regional Youth Director of Karnataka, along with the assistance of Father Kaplikunnel Varghese, the Youth Ministry Delegate of the Bangalore Province, and Father Manu, the Regional Youth Director of Kerala.
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.
A Handbook of Salesian Youth Ministry, authored by Father (Dr) Barnes Mawrie sdb, was released by Father Paul O Lyngkot sdb, the Salesian Provincial of St. John Paul II, Shillong Province, in the presence of the Vice Provincial and other leaders of institutions within Mawlai region on October 23.
In a significant initiative aimed at curbing drug addiction and preventing school dropouts among the youth, Rajanagar Parish of Arunachal Pradesh organized a one-day awareness programme on September 10. Sr. Jacinta Topno, FMA, the resource person, shared valuable insights on combating these pressing issues with 231 young persons.
In the idyllic setting of Bosco Institute, Lifeplus, Jorhat, the quarterly Youth Involve (YI) Review Meeting was held on September 3 and 4. The question, "Should young dreams be allowed to die?" serves as the inspiration and cornerstone of the YI initiative, offering a ray of hope and unwavering support to the youth who dare to dream.
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.
The Salesian Parish of Mary Help of Christians, Naigaon, Mumbai, hosted a riveting five-a-side competition featuring 16 teams on June 25. SC Bacaim outplayed Funksters to clinch a 4-2 victory.
In a remarkable display of social commitment, the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Thrissur, Kerala, rallied together to provide much-needed assistance to 70 less privileged children in their locality. With their collective efforts, the 85 Youth Centre members raised funds to purchase bags and notebooks for the children, easing the financial burden on their families and supporting their educational pursuits.
A workshop was organized for the delegates of the Youth Ministry in the Vice Province of Sri Lanka, focusing on creating a culture of vocation and introducing Career Guidance and Job Placement Services. Father Gabriel Karunaraj, Director of Don Bosco Job Placement Network, animated the workshop. The workshop gave a comprehensive briefing on career counselling, employability skill training, and job placement assistance.