Don Bosco Youth Services - INP

Date: July 19-20, 2024  Location: Don Bosco Provincial House, Chennai The animation program commenced with a serene and profound prayer session led by Fr. John Christy (INM). A total of 26 participants from 10 provinces were warmly welcomed by Fr. Kasi Sahayaraj, Vice Principal of the College of Science and Arts, Kilpauk. Fr. Ashley Miranda (INB) introduced the latest document on Salesian Youth Centers and Oratories. He emphasized the need to transition our oratories from part-time to full-time or festive oratories, making them a crucial aspect of our mission.   Fr. Patrick Lepcha presented the nine objectives of the Don Bosco Youth Animation (DBYA). He highlighted the importance of the four dimensions in animating various groups and works within the Salesian Youth Ministry. He also provided an overview of the Salesian Youth Ministry's animation structure at the South Asia level and later reviewed the new document on Salesian Oratories and Youth Centres.  Each provi...

On the 17th of July, the leaders of the Don Bosco Youth Services of the Panjim Province gathered online for a meeting that was both inspiring and strategic. The meeting kicked off with a warm welcome by Fr. Austin Fernandes, followed by a prayer led by Noah Rodrigues. This set the tone for a gathering that was both reflective and forward-looking.   Vice Provincial Fr. Banzelao Teixeira took the stage next, acknowledging the presence of the leaders and engaging with the young participants. His message was clear and compelling: in today's world, the digital realm is not just a platform for social interaction but a powerful tool for spreading the gospel. He emphasized two key points:   Digital Evangelisation : The need for a systematic and intentional presence on digital media to proclaim the gospel. This approach aims to encounter Christ and foster a sense of family, church, and the Salesian youth movement. Digital Discipleship: Becoming content creators who use the inter...

  On 14th July, the Don Bosco Youth of Sirsi hosted an exhilarating event called "Monsoon Madness." The day saw participation from Ekkambi children, JMJ hostel girls, Miles Jesus boys, and our parish youth. Despite the relentless rain, everyone relished various games, including dodgeball, tug-of-war, and a spirited drunken relay. We reveled in the mud, danced joyously in the rain, and shared delightful snacks. It was an unforgettable day filled with pure enjoyment and high spirits.

On July 14, 2024, the inaugural mass for the Youth of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Ambelim, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The ceremony began with a procession of members, each carrying a personalized Bible cutout, which they later stuck onto a world map, symbolizing their mission to spread the Good News globally. Fr. Austin Fernandes SDB, the main celebrant, emphasized the importance of "practicing what we preach" in his homily, encouraging the youth to grow positively and evolve as a community. Fr. Camilo Dias, the chaplain of the chapel, co-celebrated the mass and distributed the Bible cutouts during the recessional hymn, signifying the start of their mission. Following the Eucharistic Celebration, Fr. Austin conducted an engaging formation session, which included an icebreaker activity, group games, and action songs. He shared a powerful message, highlighting Pope Francis' words, "The Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity, and the joy t...

Today’s world is increasingly dominated by technology and fast-paced living, thus the need for connection - both with ourselves and the natural environment - has been more essential. Recognising this need, the Don Bosco Panjim Province, under the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) organised its annual event 'Connect 2.4' on 7th July, 2024. This event took place at Don Bosco Sulcorna and witnessed participation of over 170 participants from across the Konkan province (Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka). Participants travelled via four buses from Panjim, Fatorda, Benaulim, and Quepem. The event ‘Connect 2.4’ is planned to encourage the youth to disconnect from the digital realm, and step out from their comfort zones and to reinforce themselves to engage deeply with themselves and the natural surroundings. The event began with an Eucharistic Celebration by Fr Lawrence, the rector of Don Bosco Sulcorna along with Fr Ronald and Fr Melwin. In his homily, Fr Lawrence deeply resonated on the t...

SYM - Province Coordinators Meet began with the Lauds and Holy Eucharist by Fr. Santiago, the provincial of INH at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad. He asked the participants to have a strong love for the young and make it known to them. There could be Nebdukadnazars in us who would keep us away from God's chosen ones. The community and youth of Don Bosco Parish (the BIRDY Community) welcomed the participants with the prayer dance. Morning and afternoon sessions were animated by Fr. Patrick Leptcha, the South Asia Delegate for the Youth Ministry on Youth Ministry, guidelines, Frame of Reference, structures etc. The second part of the day was filled with sharing by the coordinators of youth ministry delegates. The Salesian prayer moments and supper ended day one on a happy note. Day 2 began with the animated morning prayers and meditation by Fr Joji (INH) at Birdy, the animation centre of the Hyderabad province. The day 2 was solely reserved for the planning of SYMFEST 24. The ...