Pieszyce (Poland). From 30 April to 3 May 2025, at St. John Bosco House in Pieszyce, of Mary Help of Christians Province (PLA), the Youth Festival of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) was held.
There were 125 participating in the Festival between Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the PLA Province, Salesians of Don Bosco of Saint Adalbert Province (PLN), and more than 100 young people from Bielawa, Czaplinek, Dzierżoniów, Międzyrzecz, Ostrów Wielkopolski, Piła, Pieszyce, Pleszew, Szczecin, Warszawa, and Wrocław.
One of the participants, Michalina from Piła, recounts the event:
“The bridge of May 2025 was a real time of grace under the slogan ‘The mission of hope #TREASURE’. Despite the very demanding program, everyone left with a lighter heart, a head full of ideas, and a new dose of spiritual energy.
Already on the first evening, we perceived the atmosphere of the encounter: relaxed, happy, with many smiles, and even more cordiality. There was immediate integration, singing together, and the first conversations at table. Thursday brought something that many of us were looking forward to: going to the mountains! There were two routes to choose from: one easier, the other more difficult. The views were amazing, but the most important thing happened along the way: conversations, laughter, itinerant prayer, and a sense of community, which really gave strength.
In the evening, we gathered around the fire, danced, sang, and played. And then… the ENCOUNTER ZONE, namely coffee, chatting, and time to be together without hurry. And then, to bed a little late, but it was worth it!
On Friday, there was a “spiritual ride without exclusion of blows”. The day began with Lauds and soon after we went for a game on the field whose heroine was the Blessed Maria Troncatti, FMA. In groups, we studied her incredible life story, full of courage, sacrifice, and love for others. Along the way, we had tasks to solve that required cooperation and creativity. Even if there were sweets at the end, the real reward was the lesson that in life, money does not count; but what really counts are: faith, service, and others. At the center of the day was the Eucharist in the parish church.
In the afternoon, we met Sister Lidia Strzelczyk – Visiting Councilor of the FMA Institute. Her presence and testimony were exceptional. She spoke to us in a concrete, passionate, direct way and left us with questions that will accompany us for a long time. We combined the meeting with her to the program ‘I have Talent.’ Sister Lidia was part of the jury and could see how much goodness, creativity, and energy there are in young hearts.
In the evening, time of silence. We experienced a beautiful adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist and the possibility of the sacrament of reconciliation. It was a moment of real encounter with God, but also with oneself.
Saturday was the day of greetings. Morning Eucharist, last breakfast, preparation of backpacks and… departures. Nobody wanted to leave, but everyone came back with something extra in their luggage. They came back with hope. A true treasure that we want to carry forward.”
