Rome (Italy). On 15 January 2026, the Salesian Youth Ministry Sector of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesian Youth Ministry Sector of the Salesians of Don Bosco began the new year with renewed enthusiasm and a fresh perspective, inspired by the deep love of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello for young people.
The General Councilors-Sister Runita Galve Borja and Father Rafael Bejarano-met with their collaborators via an online platform to reflect together on young people’s dreams for the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) and to envision new paths capable of strengthening and growing it. At the heart of the reflection, focused on dialogue, were the voices, hopes, and expectations of young people, with particular attention to the present and future of the Movement.
The meeting opened with a moment of prayer, invoking the presence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, followed by a message from Fr. Rafael, which set the tone for subsequent reflections and sharing on the agenda items.
The reflection then focused on the Decalogue drawn up by FMA and SDB at the end of the Salesian Youth Synod (SYS 2024), highlighting the importance of collaboration for the effectiveness of this shared mission. Special attention was paid to the dreams of young people for the SYM and to strengthening Salesian Youth Spirituality as a central value and unifying element of the Movement.
The dream of young people has emerged as both a challenge and an opportunity. It is a challenge that questions current educational and pastoral choices and an opportunity that opens new paths of renewal, participation, and co-responsibility. From this perspective, the path undertaken is configured as a clear sign of synodality, understood not only as a working method, but as a way of being a Church and experiencing the Salesian spirit.
Through open dialogue and shared discernment, the two Sectors initiated a common search for strategic paths to strengthen collaboration and make pastoral action more effective. The meeting reaffirmed the common desire to walk together, valuing complementarity and promoting a Salesian Youth Movement increasingly faithful to the dream of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello and ever closer to the lives and aspirations of today’s young people.
The meeting ended in an atmosphere of joy and satisfaction, with a final message from Sister Runita, who reiterated the spirit of communion and the shared desire to walk together with local and regional representatives, to carry forward the mission on behalf of young people. Inspired by the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, the Councilor stressed the importance of working with young people, not simply for young people. In other words, “we are called to accompany, listen, and walk alongside young people in all pastoral initiatives,” she highlighted.
Both Sectors will continue to strengthen this path of communion through listening to the voices of young people, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
