Rev. Fr. Cletus Sebastian, SDB, Executive Director of Don Bosco Institute, Kharghuli, is presently in Rome, Italy, participating in the Fifth Edition of the School for Provincial Delegates of Youth Ministry, which commenced at the Salesian Headquarters of the Sacred Heart.

The international programme has brought together 44 delegates, comprising Salesians and lay collaborators from various Salesian Provinces across the world. The gathering serves as an important platform for formation, reflection, and dialogue on the mission of accompanying young people in the spirit of Don Bosco.

The opening session unfolded in an atmosphere of fraternity and cordiality, providing participants with opportunities to get acquainted and share experiences from their respective contexts. The event was officially inaugurated by the Rector Major, Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, who was accompanied by the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rev. Fr. Rafael Bejarano Rivera.

Addressing the delegates, Fr. Attard emphasized the centrality of authentic Christian witness in Salesian ministry. “The first thing is to live an authentic faith. If we are not witnesses to a genuine Christian life, we risk losing the very heart of our mission,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the theme of quality in Youth Ministry, the Rector Major challenged the participants to focus on the way they accompany young people and lay collaborators. He urged them to remain rooted in their identity as disciples of Jesus rather than becoming self-referential in their approach to ministry. “Quality is measured by the way we accompany young people and lay collaborators. What truly matters is being authentic disciples of Jesus,” he said.

Summarizing the essence of the Salesian vocation, Fr. Attard highlighted the inseparable relationship between discipleship and apostolate, calling Salesians and collaborators to be “passionate disciples and dedicated apostles.”

Following the Rector Major’s address, Fr. Rafael Bejarano Rivera, Councillor for Youth Minstry engaged him in a dialogue that explored the origins of the School for Youth Ministry Delegates and its significance for the contemporary Salesian mission.

At the close of the programme, Fr. Bejarano expressed gratitude to all participants and specially acknowledged the Youth Ministry Team at the Salesian Headquarters for their dedicated efforts in organizing the event. He encouraged the delegates to actively engage in the sessions of reflection, study, and pastoral enrichment scheduled for the days ahead.