Youth Leaders of the province who participated in a one-day youth animation programme and planning session at Don Bosco Institute, Kharghuli.
Around sixty youth leaders from twenty-six Salesian presences of the province participated in a one-day youth animation programme and planning session at Don Bosco Institute, Kharghuli, on Saturday, 22nd March 2025. The meeting, which commenced at 11:00 AM, began with a prayer led by Sr Athisa FMA, setting a reflective and spiritual tone for the day.
Fr Cletus Sebastian SDB, Executive Director of Don Bosco Institute, extended words of welcome to all participants and expressed his hope that the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) would become a dynamic reality. He highlighted that SYM represents a vibrant and integral youth programme aimed at fostering leadership and community spirit.
The youth animation session was led by Rev Fr Joseph Thelekkatt SDB, Director of Navaprerona, who encouraged the young leaders to become role models for their peers. He emphasized the transformative power of youth leadership, recalling how Don Bosco nurtured and shaped the lives of young individuals, including the once-troubled Michael Magone, who was guided towards a saintly path. “Youth Ministry is to the young, with the young, for the young, and by the young,” Fr Thelekkatt remarked, urging the youth to be agents of positive change in their communities.
Following the animation session, Rev Fr Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB presented the report of the last SYM meeting, reminding participants of past discussions and resolutions. The youth leaders then shared reports on the various activities undertaken in their respective centers, reflecting on achievements and challenges faced.
Fr Cletus Sebastian SDB further animated the group and facilitated discussions on the plans for 2025-2026, which included the upcoming Youth Pasch 2025. An election of new office bearers was conducted under the guidance of Fr Cletus and Fr Bivan, ensuring leadership continuity for the movement.
The meeting concluded with words from Rev Fr Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial, who encouraged the youth to remain committed to their mission. A concluding prayer was led by Fr Cletus Sebastian SDB, marking the end of a fruitful and enriching gathering.
