Don Bosco Youth Services - INP

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, 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...

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...

On November 17, 2024 the Happening Boys emerged victorious in the 14th All Goa 5-A-Side Football Tournament, organized by Don Bosco Oratory Boys, Benaulim at Don Bosco Animation Centre, Benaulim. The tournament, held at the Don Bosco Animation Centre, Benaulim, witnessed intense competition among 32 participating teams. In the thrilling final match, Happening Boys edged out Maddar Boys to claim the championship title. The winners were awarded prizes by Capt. Venzy Viegas. Individual honors were also bestowed upon outstanding players. Jeet Gupta of Happening Boys was declared the Best Defender, while Ronaldo Pereira , also from Happening Boys, was named the Best Player. Fr. Simao Fernandes presented the awards to the deserving winners. The tournament was inaugurated by Mr. Xavier Pereira, Sarpanch of Benaulim, and Mrs. Rini Mascarenhas, Ward Panch. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the skills and sportsmanship of young footballers from across Goa.

The Marian Knights 24 event was held on 20th October 2024 at Don Bosco Animation Centre Benaulim, with great enthusiasm, bringing together 15 teams (from various parishes and groups associated with Don Bosco) across Goa. The programme commenced at 4:20 pm, setting a vibrant tone for the evening. The event was organized by the Don Bosco Youth Paschers Movement.  The evening began with a heartfelt prayer service led by Noah, invoking the blessings of God and the intercession of our Holy Mother. The participants faithfully took part in the prayer service and experienced the presence of God among them. Fr. Austin extended a warm welcome to all participants, expressing gratitude for their presence. Fr. Simao officially declared the Marian Knights 24 open, marking the start of an evening filled with love, fellowship and strong spirits of participation. Fr. Austin then provided an insightful introductory note on Don Bosco Youth Services. He emphasized the role of the Don Bosco Youth Servi...

On October 13th, 2024, Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS) conducted a dynamic two-hour session focused on Team and Community Building for the young girls at the Carmelite Hostel in Nuvem, Goa. The session was attended by 29 participants from across India, predominantly from North East India, representing diverse religions and cultural backgrounds. This diversity added a unique vibrancy to the gathering, creating an enriching environment for all involved. The session was packed with fun games, engaging activities, and energetic action songs, which served as a means to foster teamwork, build relationships, and create a sense of community among the participants. Through these activities, the girls not only enjoyed themselves but also learned the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Fr. Austin (SDB), who animated the session, encouraged the young girls to view themselves as part of a larger team, a family, where each person has a unique and important role to play. He emphasized the...

On 12th October (10 PM) to 13th October (6 AM), Don Bosco Youth Services organized an engaging Youth Night Vigil for the youth of Penha de Franca, Britona, bringing together 33 young participants. The event was led by Fr. Maria Selvam (SFX), the assistant parish priest. The vigil began with two hours of benediction, animated by Fr. Ronald (SDB), Benjamin, and Jesus Lee. Through powerful praise and worship, the youth were deeply immersed in the spiritual experience, savoring every moment. Fr. Austin (SDB) then guided the group through a time of reflection and preparation for confessions. It was heartening to see the young people make sincere confessions, fully embracing the sacrament of Reconciliation. In the later part of the vigil, the youth led the Stations of the Cross, incorporating technology to present topics relevant to their lives. This creative approach helped them reflect on their personal journeys. The vigil concluded with the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist. The youth a...