(ANS – Rome) – Two online formation sessions for coordinators of the Salesian Missionary Volunteers (VMS), as well as for those interested in the psychological well-being and mental health of volunteers, were successfully held on May 18 and 19, 2026. The sessions were organized by the Salesian Sectors for Missions and Youth Ministry.

The Salesian Missionary Volunteer Service is a broad and diverse experience present throughout the world, bringing tremendous richness to the lives of those who take part in it. Too often, however, the emphasis is placed solely on the “doing” — the practical service activities carried out for young people and local communities — while overlooking important personal effects and challenges experienced by the volunteers themselves.

One issue of fundamental importance is the psychological well-being and mental health of young people during the VMS experience. Being far from home, adapting to a new culture, facing the difficulties of daily life, and navigating misunderstandings are just some of the many challenges volunteers encounter, and balancing everything is not always easy.

For this reason, on Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, the VMS Advisory Team organized two online formation sessions featuring contributions from Antonella Sinagoga, psychologist, psychotherapist, and member of the Youth Ministry Sector.

Beginning with the meaning of mental and emotional health, Dr. Sinagoga outlined the steps the Salesian Congregation is taking in this area, emphasizing that psychological well-being is not a secondary concern, but rather an integral part of the educational mission. She then addressed the perspectives of both coordinators and volunteers.

The psychologist explained that a cultural shift is taking place: whereas psychological struggles were once viewed as signs of weakness, today there is a greater understanding that mental health is part of normal human life, that vulnerability is not a personal failure, and that even those who provide support also need care. VMS coordinators can do much through relationships — by observing, listening, creating safe spaces, encouraging volunteers to seek help, and sharing responsibilities with the wider team.

Following the presentation, participants divided into discussion groups, sharing moving and enriching experiences while discussing the challenges volunteers face, best practices for support, and the barriers that still prevent open conversations about mental health.

The VMS Advisory Team also shared several updates, including the new international volunteer project at Colle Don Bosco, the global meeting of VMS coordinators scheduled for 2027 (with the date and location yet to be confirmed), and communication tools designed to maintain connections, such as the website, newsletter, and WhatsApp group.

A total of 42 participants attended the meetings, including 15 Salesians of Don Bosco and 27 laypeople from 24 different countries, all demonstrating strong engagement and active interest in this important and essential topic for the VMS.