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IGNITE Night Vigil Ignites Faith and Fellowship Among Youth

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The Catholic Youth of North Goa gathered at Don Bosco Tuem for an electrifying and spiritually enriching Night Vigil, IGNITE, held on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The event was marked by moments of deep prayer, reflection, and fellowship, leaving the young participants spiritually renewed and strengthened in their faith. The night began with an inspiring session, Introduction to the Night Vigil was conducted by Fr. Sheldon Fernandes, who emphasized the significance of dedicating an entire night to prayer, allowing oneself to be immersed in God’s presence. This set the tone for the vigil, which was interwoven with uplifting Praise and Worship sessions led by the renowned gospel band All 4 Jesus. The youth sang their hearts out, lifting their voices in adoration and surrender. In between these powerful moments of worship, the other sessions unfolded. Fr. Austin Fernandes led a thought-provoking session on Preparation for Confession, helping the youth examine their lives and open their heart...

EXODUS: The Youth Recollection

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On March 16, 2025, Don Bosco Youth Services, under the guidance of Fr. Austin Fernandes, SDB, organized "Exodus: The Youth Recollection" at Dhyanlaya Monastery, Curtorim. The day began at 10:30 a.m. with an invocation of the Holy Spirit, followed by a Scripture reading and a reflection on the Journey of Exodus—highlighting how God led His people to freedom. Each participant received a reflection booklet and spent time in solitude amidst the serene outdoors, meditating on the Word. They also engaged in a personal Way of the Cross, walking prayerfully while reciting the Rosary. The spiritual experience was further deepened with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Fr. Kevin, and a thought-provoking homily delivered by Fr. Austin. An inspiring address by the Immaculate Conception Sisters enriched the gathering, fostering a spirit of reflection and renewal. A moment of fellowship over refreshments strengthened bonds among participants. The recollection concluded with a h...

SYM Fest 24: "Agents of Change - Anchored in Hope" Inspires South Asian Youth

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The Salesian Province of Chennai and Don Bosco Youth Animation South Asia jointly hosted the vibrant SYM Fest 24 at Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, Chennai from December 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025 under the theme “Agents of Change – Anchored in Hope.” The four-day celebration brought together over 1,600 participants and 200 dedicated animators from across the Salesian Provinces of South Asia, showcasing the dynamic energy and faith of the Salesian Youth Movement. The event was a profound mix of inspiration, reflection, and celebration, aimed at fostering a sense of unity, cultural exchange, and renewed hope among the youth. Day 1: A Grand Opening The festival began with an electrifying opening ceremony, masterfully animated by the SYM Tiruchy Province. Fr. Don Bosco Loudusamy, Provincial of Chennai, presided over the inaugural Eucharist, invoking God’s blessings on the participants. The day’s activities included creative competitions such as Tableau, theme-based dances, rangoli, and...

Jordan's Call 2024

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Jordan's Call 2024, organized by Don Bosco Youth Services (INP) in collaboration with the youth of Don Bosco Quepem, took place on December 7-8, 2024, at the DB Vocational Training Institute, Quepem, Goa. This overnight event aimed to spiritually prepare young participants for Christmas and was attended by 25 participants under the guidance of Fr. Austin, Fr. Ronald and Fr. Marvin, with Selwin and Lenifa serving as the main coordinators. The event began on December 7 with registrations and refreshments. At 6:30 PM, Fr. Ronald sdb conducted engaging icebreaker activities, fostering interaction among participants. This was followed by the first session, The Christmas Crib Speaks to Us, delivered by Fr. Banzelao SDB. This insightful talk explored the significance of crib figures as described in Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter, Admirabile Signum. Participants were engaged in an activity to identify inaccuracies in biblical verses about Jesus’ birth before delving into the symbolism...

Taize Prayer

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The Don Bosco Youth Services, in collaboration with the Salesian Youth Paschers, organised a unique Taizé Prayer service on November 17, 2024, at DB Animation Center, Benaulim. The event saw 28 youth attendees who spent three hours immersed in worship through chants, moments of silence, and scripture readings from the Bible.  Fr. Austin blessed the cross and shared the history and significance of the prayer, explaining its origins and how it came into existence. The intimate, candlelit atmosphere created a sacred space for communal worship and personal reflection, helping everyone deepen their connection with God. For youngsters, the opportunity to pray by touching the cross was the most powerful and transformative moment of the evening. Taizé Prayer is a Christian tradition rooted in the Taizé Community, an ecumenical monastic group based in Taizé, France. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger, the service is designed to create a calm, reflective environment, often illuminated b...