The Summer Time Youth Ministry (STYM) 2026 of the Province, was inaugurated on 2 July 2026 at the Board Room of the Provincial House, Panbazar, bringing together Salesian clerics for a comprehensive programme of youth animation under the theme, “Animating Young Hearts in the Spirit of Don Bosco.”

The inaugural session began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit, followed by the prayer led by Cleric Jonathan Dung Dung SDB. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolized the participants’ commitment to be bearers of hope and light for young people.

Welcoming the participants, Rev. Fr. Cletus Sebastian SDB, Youth Animator of the Province, encouraged the brothers to make the most of the formation programme, emphasizing that STYM is an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Don Bosco’s educational and pastoral approach to youth ministry.

In his inaugural address, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, reminded the participants that the Salesian vocation is fundamentally rooted in accompanying and engaging with the young. He stressed that STYM is not merely about singing, games, and entertainment, but about touching and transforming the lives of the young people entrusted to their care.

The Provincial urged the brothers to use every moment of the youth programmes meaningfully by imparting values, sharing faith, and helping young people discover their potential. “Our mission is to accompany the young, guide them, and inspire them to become responsible and faith-filled citizens,” he said, encouraging the participants to see every interaction with the youth as an opportunity for evangelization and personal transformation.

Fr. Sebastian expressed his appreciation to Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial, for meticulously organizing the STYM animation programme. He also congratulated Rev. Fr. Cletus Sebastian SDB, Director of the North East Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) and Provincial Youth Director, acknowledging his significant contribution to youth ministry and his dedicated efforts in animating the youth across the Northeast.

Concluding his address, the Provincial wished all the brothers a fruitful and grace-filled STYM experience, expressing his hope that the programme would equip them to become more effective educators, evangelizers, and companions of the young in the spirit of St. John Bosco.

The day continued with the first animation session by Fr. Cletus Sebastian SDB, followed by a second session led by Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, group discussions, presentations, evaluation, evening prayer, and fellowship. The programme is designed to prepare Salesian brothers for their summer youth ministry by equipping them with practical skills and renewed pastoral zeal to animate young people throughout the Province.