The Summer Time Youth Ministry (STYM) 2026 of the Province, conducted from 03 to 27 July 2026 under the theme “Animating Young Hearts in the Spirit of Don Bosco,” concluded with an evaluation and thanksgiving session at the Provincial House, Panbazar, on 28 July. The month-long initiative brought together nearly 1,400 young people across ten centres for faith formation, leadership development, community living, and joyful fellowship in the Salesian tradition.
The concluding session was attended by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, Rev. Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial, and the seven Salesian clerics who animated the various camps. Fr. Bivan R. Mukhim presented the overall report of STYM 2026, appreciating the clerics for their dedicated service and the prompt submission of reports that enabled the preparation of the final evaluation.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal congratulated the brothers on the successful completion of the youth ministry and reflected on Jesus’ invitation to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). He remarked that, after travelling across the Province accompanying young people, the brothers had returned enriched by their missionary experience.
The Provincial expressed joy over the participation of nearly 1,400 young people and thanked the Salesian communities that hosted the camps for their generous hospitality and meticulous care of the animators. He reminded the brothers that youth camps are not merely pastoral activities but formative experiences that prepare them for their future Salesian ministry. Comparing the ministry to the Parable of the Mustard Seed, he observed that even brief encounters with the young can sow seeds of faith, hope, and service that continue to bear fruit long after the camps have ended. Invoking the Salesian motto, Da mihi animas, cetera tolle (“Give me souls, take away the rest”), he encouraged the brothers to return to their theological studies with renewed zeal and a deeper commitment to the mission of accompanying the young.
The evaluation session provided an opportunity for each of the seven brothers to share personal experiences, blessings, challenges, and suggestions. The brothers unanimously appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the youth, the active involvement of parish youth leaders, the wholehearted support of parish priests and communities, and the collaborative spirit that characterised the camps. Many also testified that STYM had strengthened their confidence, leadership abilities, teamwork, and pastoral sensitivity while giving them valuable firsthand experience in youth ministry.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim expressed sincere gratitude to the brothers for their generosity, dedication, and willingness to serve in diverse pastoral settings, including remote mission stations. He noted that STYM had become an important platform for nurturing leadership, teamwork, confidence, and pastoral skills among young Salesians. Appreciating the openness and honesty of the evaluation, he assured the participants that their recommendations would be carefully studied while planning future editions of the Summer Time Youth Ministry.
The meeting concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving, entrusting the fruits of STYM 2026 and the young people who participated in the camps to the loving care of Mary Help of Christians. The gathering ended with a renewed sense of gratitude and a stronger commitment to continue Don Bosco’s mission of accompanying and empowering young people.
