By Raul Salazar-Villagomez, Salesian Youth Movement, USA West
(Laredo, Texas) – The Salesian Youth Synod started on the 11th of August and ended on the 17th of August. The event took place in Valdocco and Colle, Italy, where about 290 young people from 93 different countries gathered to celebrate Don Bosco’s mission and the Salesian Youth Movement worldwide. During the Synod, we were accompanied by 18 Salesian sisters, 41 Salesian priests and brothers, 15 musicians, five laypeople, and the Rector Major, Cardinal Angel Fernandez. In total, there were about 370 people to celebrate Don Bosco and his mission. Each day, we learned more about Don Bosco; the young people were able to tour essential locations of the Salesian Mission, like where the first oratory took place, the basilica in Valdocco, Colle Don Bosco, and Don Bosco’s childhood home.
What did our days consist of at the Salesian Youth Synod?
An essential part of the Synod was the discussions held in small groups, where we would discuss what our dreams are for ourselves, within our communities, the Church, and the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). The discussions, reflections, and large group sharing contributed to the creation of the Synod’s document. Once the Instrumentum Laboris was finished, we would vote in rounds based on each language group’s portion of the document (English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese). All documents for each language were passed, meaning they will be included in the Instrumentum Laboris. At the end of each day, for our Goodnight, we would gather and have different entertainment and bonding exercises. For example, one of the days, we had a magic show performed by the La Magia de Don Bosco. Another, we would learn chants or dances from different countries.
Salesian Youth Movement
Being invited to attend the Youth Synod was a dream. I cannot express how great it was to be able to meet the different people involved with the Salesians from all around the world. It showed me the connection young people have with Don Bosco’s mission and that we continue to spread his mission in our respective countries. Being able to bond and create new friendships is something that I will cherish. It was a privilege to meet others from different cultures and share time with them. I learned much about myself and am taking it all home to apply to our Salesian programs and ministry.
I want to thank the USA Western Province Youth Ministry Office and Fr. Fabian Cardenas for inviting me to the Youth Synod and for all of their support. I am grateful to have been able to experience this trip.
