Asunción (Paraguay). From 5 to 7 September 2025, the National Camp of the Salesian Youth Movement, known as CampoBosco 2025, took place in the Salesian Parish of Saint Dominico Savio of Fernando de la Mora, in the metropolitan area of Asunción.
The event was organized to celebrate 50 years of the presence of the SYM in Paraguay and took place in an atmosphere of joy, fraternity, and faith, with the participation of over 1,100 young people from different Salesian presences in the Country, including those from Chaco and the indigenous Ayoreo, Ishir, and Maskoy communities, where the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco are present.
The Superior General of the FMA Institute, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, was present at the opening of the event, visiting Saint Raffael Archangel Province accompanied by the Provincial, Sister Cecilia Camacho. Mother was welcomed with a performance prepared by Mary Help of Christians School of Concepción, with which young people showed the cultural richness of Paraguay through artistic expressions and the various movements that make up the SYM. Subsequently, a dialogue was held with Mother Chiara, during which young people were able to ask questions on topics of interest to them, such as vocation, discernment, the accompaniment of other young people, and what adults learn from the new generations.
During Saturday, participants experienced moments of group formation, community prayer, and Eucharistic adoration. In the evening, an arts festival kicked off a theater presentation entitled “Grateful Memory for a Future of Hope”, which recalled the arrival of the FMA in Paraguay, as part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of their presence in the country. The festival then continued with cultural performances prepared by each participating group, highlighting the diversity and vitality of Salesian youth.
On Sunday, before Holy Mass, a moment of reflection on the mission with the indigenous peoples took place, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the first SDB missionary expedition, recalling in particular the communities in which the FMA and the Salesians are present today, reaffirming the missionary commitment inherited from Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. The Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, made himself present via a video message, encouraging them to continue the SYM journey with hope and commitment.
The event highlighted the precious support of Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, former SYM animators, catechists, the various local SYM groups, the Oratorians, as well as the sponsors and people who, with their donations, made the creation of this camp possible.
CampoBosco 2025 was a particularly significant edition. In these 50 years, the SYM has accompanied thousands of young people in their integral formation, promoting spaces of protagonism, service, and spirituality. Currently, its presence extends to various Salesian works, parishes, and youth centers, consolidating itself as a living and dynamic pastoral proposal that invests in youth protagonism in the Church and in society, inspired by the Charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. With this celebration, the SYM reaffirmed its commitment to continue walking alongside young people, strengthening their values and their active role, to contribute to building a closer Church and a more just, supportive, and fraternal society.
