(ANS – Rome) – On February 6, 2026, the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Europe hosted a powerful online gathering titled “Bridges of Hope.” The event served as a digital sanctuary, connecting young people from Europe and the Middle East to share testimonies of faith, the reality of living through crisis, and the transformative impact of Salesian accompaniment.

This encounter was initiated by Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, who invited the Small Team of SYM Europe to create this space for dialogue. Her inspiration came directly from Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Turkey and Lebanon in December, where she was deeply moved by the courage and joy of young people despite their hardships. Zaur, a member of the Small Team who moderated the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Runita Borja for planting this seed.

A significant source of inspiration for all the speakers was the Pope’s message during his visit. Participants recalled his striking image of youth as “young cedars of Lebanon,” reminding them that while their roots are planted in scarred soil, their branches are meant to reach the sky.

The Pope’s message challenged young people to be an “active resistance—not through violence, but through a love that heals.” For many, including Tatiana, who works with refugee children at the oratory, the visit was a deeply healing moment that reassured them they had not been forgotten by the world.

The dialogue also addressed the difficult operational realities facing Salesian missions. Fr. Joe Attila and Noura, one of the youth representatives from the Middle East, described the immense pressure on educational centers such as the Don Bosco Technical School, which struggles to provide scholarships amid Lebanon’s ongoing financial crisis. The Salesians currently serve hundreds of Iraqi and Syrian refugee children, offering education and psychosocial support even when formal certification is limited by political obstacles.

The “Bridges of Hope” encounter emphasized that solidarity is a mutual exchange of spiritual wealth. While European youth may face different challenges—such as mental health struggles and “material excess”—Lebanese youth proposed a simple yet profound response: slowing down and choosing genuine connection.

As Fr. Rafael Bejarano noted in his video message:
“The Salesian Youth Movement is about fraternity and solidarity… we always have the opportunity to offer other young people this beautiful chance to build a better world for all.”

This event demonstrated that whether on the streets of Beirut or in the cities of Europe, the Salesian spirit remains a “leaven of peace,” transforming reality through presence, prayer, and persistent hope.

Written by:
Alba Díaz (SYM Europe – Small Team)