(ANS – Rome) – The fifth School for Provincial Youth Ministry Delegates began on the afternoon of Monday, May 25, 2026, at Salesian Headquarters of the Sacred Heart in Rome.
The gathering brought together 44 delegates—Salesians and laypeople—from various provinces throughout the Salesian world. Three additional participants had registered but were unable to depart on time due to difficulties in their respective local contexts.
The opening session took place in an atmosphere of fraternity and cordiality, fostering opportunities for participants to get to know one another and share experiences from the very beginning.
During the afternoon, the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, accompanied by the General Councilor for Youth Ministry, Fr. Rafael Bejarano Rivera, offered a warm welcome to the delegates and invited them to live this experience as a true journey of discipleship.
“The first thing,” Fr. Attard emphasized, “is to live an authentic faith. If we are not witnesses to a true Christian life, we risk losing the heart of our mission.”
Returning to the theme of the quality of youth ministry, the Rector Major added, “Quality is measured by the way we accompany young people and laypeople. Let us therefore reflect on our identity and on how we are carrying out the various processes. It is not a question of remaining closed within a self-referential mindset, thinking we are ‘good’ or ‘obedient.’ What matters is being authentic disciples of Jesus.”
Summarizing the heart of the Salesian mission, he concluded: “Discipleship and apostolate must go hand in hand: we are called to be passionate disciples and dedicated apostles.”
At the conclusion of the conversation, Fr. Bejarano posed several questions to the Rector Major, tracing the origins of the School for Delegates and reflecting on its significance for the present day.
Participants then celebrated the Eucharist, presided over by the Rector Major. The evening continued in a festive and welcoming atmosphere with dinner and the exchange of souvenirs and gifts representing different cultural traditions, highlighting the richness and diversity of the Salesian presence around the world.
At the close of the day, Fr. Bejarano thanked everyone for their participation and expressed particular appreciation to the youth ministry team at Salesian Headquarters for their dedicated work in organizing the event. He also encouraged participants to approach the upcoming days of reflection and study with openness and attentiveness.