By Gina Robles, Province Youth Ministry Associate

(Honolulu, Hawaii) – The Region XI gathering, held at the Diocesan Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, provided an important opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to serving young people and the communities that accompany them.

The meeting brought together diocesan directors from across Region XI, along with a representative from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). I was grateful to participate on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Western United States, offering the Salesian perspective and sharing our charism of accompanying and serving young people, especially those most in need.

A special moment during the gathering was the opportunity to meet Bishop Michael Thomas Tupou Castori, the new Bishop of Hawaii, who was ordained and installed on July 26, 2026. His presence provided an encouraging opportunity to reflect on the Church’s ministry to young people and the importance of supporting those who accompany them in parishes, dioceses, schools, and other pastoral settings.

Throughout the meeting, diocesan directors shared some of the pressing issues and challenges facing their dioceses and youth ministries. These conversations offered a clearer picture of the realities experienced throughout the region and created space to identify areas where greater collaboration, resources, formation, and pastoral support may be needed.

For the Salesians of Don Bosco, the gathering was particularly valuable because it allowed us to listen directly to the needs of dioceses and explore how our Salesian mission can be of greater assistance. Rooted in St. John Bosco’s educational and pastoral approach, our presence among young people calls us not only to provide programs but also to accompany those who serve them and to build partnerships that strengthen the Church’s ministry to youth.

The discussions opened possibilities for deeper collaboration among the Salesians, diocesan leaders, NFCYM, and others engaged in youth and young adult ministry. They also reinforced the importance of listening carefully to local realities before determining how best to respond.

Ultimately, the Region XI meeting was more than an administrative gathering. It was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, listen to the challenges and hopes of those serving young people, and discern together how we can respond more effectively to their needs.

As Salesians, we remain committed to walking alongside the dioceses of Region XI and exploring concrete ways in which the spirituality, experience, and resources of the Salesian Family can support their ministry. In the spirit of Don Bosco, our shared goal remains clear: to be present to young people, accompany them with hope, and help create communities where they know they are welcomed, valued, and loved.

Pictured above: Diocesan directors from San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Monterey, Honolulu, and San Bernardino, and other members who represented the NFCYM (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry), the California Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Salesians of Don Bosco, and the Bishop of Honolulu.