Regional Meeting of Youth Ministry Delegates of South Asia Held at Siliguri

The Regional Meeting of Youth Ministry Delegates of South Asia, together with the sector heads, was held at Salesian College, Siliguri Campus, from 31 October to 4 November 2025. The meeting brought together Salesian Youth Ministry Delegates and sector and network heads from across the South Asia Region. Fr Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial and YMD of the Province is attending the programme and representing the Province.

The meeting commenced with the arrival and reception of participants on October 31, followed by an opening programme and a social gathering. The inaugural evening prayer was animated by Fr. John Christy (INM), and the welcome address was delivered by Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Kolkata. He welcomed the General Councillor and the team from Rome, as well as all the delegates to the Province of Kolkata and to Siliguri in particular. He expressed his joy that the Province is celebrating the Centenary of Salesian presence in Kolkata.

Fr. Rafael Bejarano SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, while speaking at the inaugural programme, invited the delegates to work together as sector heads and youth mission delegates. He emphasized the need to build unity and develop common indicators to offer new opportunities and choices to the poorest young people as Salesians.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the central team, the regional level, and every member of the Youth Ministry network to effectively accompany the young in the South Asia Region.

In outlining the goals of the Youth Ministry Department, Fr. Bejarano identified several guidelines to be pursued over the next six years. He also underscored the need for regular reporting, submission of data, and policy formulation for Salesian works for the young in the different Provinces of the region. He concluded his sharing by reminding everyone of the importance of “creating spaces for the young to approach us, so that they can share their life experiences.” He urged all Salesians to “welcome the young with love and gratitude.”

The sessions began on November 1 with a Lectio Divina led by Fr. Francisco Cervantes, setting a spiritual tone for the assembly. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Rafael Bejarano SDB. The day continued with moments of listening, sharing, and discussions on the role of Youth Ministry Delegates in relation to Provincials, commissions, and networks.

On November 2, Fr. Rafael Bejarano guided the participants through a pastoral reading of General Chapter 29 and the Programme of the Rector Major, emphasizing pastoral directions for the region. The afternoon featured a session by Fr. Joebeth Vivo on the “Way Forward for the Salesian Youth Synod” and a sharing of best practices on collaboration with lay people, led by Fr. Francisco Cervantes.

The following day focused on Socio-political Commitment in Youth Ministry by Fr. Bejarano, and Proposals by DBYA South Asiapresented by Fr. Patrick Lepcha. A special session on Promoting Positive Mental Health in Youth Ministrywas scheduled to be conducted by Ms. Antonella Sinagoga, addressing the importance of emotional well-being in youth accompaniment.

The final day, November 4, featured sessions on Pastoral Research and Methodology by Fr. Michal Vojtas (UPS) and interactions with school and college student councils, followed by cultural exposure visits to Oodlabari and Patibari. These visits included meaningful encounters with local youth and parishioners.

Throughout the four-day gathering, the delegates engaged in prayer, reflection, sharing of experiences, and formulating action plans to deepen the Salesian commitment to young people in South Asia. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude, evening prayer, and fraternal fellowship, marking another milestone in the ongoing journey of Salesian Youth Ministry in the South Asia Region.