Ląd nad Wartą (Poland). From 23 to 25 January 2026, a meeting took place at the Salesian House of Don Bosco in Ląd nad Wartą, between young representatives of the National Youth Council of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of Poland and the Youth Ministry Coordinators of the six Polish provinces of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco.
The meeting marked a significant milestone following the official establishment of the National Youth Council, a result of the 2024 Salesian Youth Synod. Its creation represents a concrete step towards strengthening the shared responsibility and active participation of young people within Salesian Youth Ministry in Poland.
At the heart of the gathering was a shared reflection on the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026 “Do whatever he tells you,” in light of the concrete realities of the provincial contexts in which the participants live and work. This reflection was rooted in prayer through Eucharistic Adoration, the celebration of Holy Mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours, moments that fostered a climate of discernment and openness to the call to live as disciples and servants of Jesus.
A fundamental aspect of the meeting was mutual listening and dialogue, which contributed to strengthening the communion among the participants. This was also experienced in informal moments through joyful interaction, a distinctive sign of the Salesian spirit that fosters fraternity and shared mission.
On Saturday, 24 January, the participants shared experiences and reflections on the SYM Europe General Assembly. They also worked together on national pastoral proposals, with particular attention to significant initiatives such as the Camp Bosco Festival and the Animators’ Forum, both central experiences for Salesian Youth Ministry in Poland.
The FMA and SDB Youth Ministry Coordinators also discussed current and future topics, including ongoing initiatives carried out jointly at the national level, the theme for the next pastoral year, and preparations for World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027.
Collaboration among the youth ministry leaders of all the Polish provinces continues to be a well-established and fruitful practice. These coordination meetings are normally held three times a year and, since last year, have been regularly combined with the meetings of the National Youth Council. This integrated approach further strengthens shared discernment, planning, and animation within the Salesian Youth Movement in Poland, ensuring that young people remain at the heart of the Salesian mission.
