By Gina Robles, Salesian Youth Ministry Associate, Salesian Cooperator –

(Bellflower, California) – I attended the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis from November 19–22. Representing the Salesian Province Youth Ministry Office together with Fr. Jhoni Chamarro, SDB, from our Vocation Team, along with the Salesian Youth Ministry Office of the East and the Salesian Sisters from both the East and West, we served as exhibitors, sharing our Salesian charism with more than 17,000 young people from across the nation.

This year’s conference was especially meaningful, with Pope Leo streaming live. We were blessed to witness one of our own youth, Ezequiel Ponce from St. Dominic Savio and a Spirit Team alum, ask Pope Leo a question during the livestream. Moments like this—seeing young people confidently living their faith—fills me with hope for our world today.

Throughout the conference, countless youth visited our exhibit booth to learn about Salesian Spirituality and explore what it means to live out holiness in their everyday lives. We were also honored to have one of our Salesian Sisters, Sr. Elphie Del Rosario, serve as one of the MCs.

Each day of NCYC was filled with inspiring sessions, moments of prayer, and the contagious joy and optimism of our young Church. It was truly a blessing to be a part of it.