By Luis Chacon

From September 22nd to 24th, a transformative journey unfolded at the Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley as we, the Provincial Youth Ministry Team of the Salesian Province of United States West, came together for our annual retreat. This retreat was a profound experience of spiritual enrichment, reflection, and camaraderie, leaving an indelible mark on each of us.

Building Connections:

Our retreat began on a Friday evening with a heartwarming moment of socialization. Delegates from various departments, including the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and our dedicated young people, gathered to greet one another and share the stories of our lives. It was a joyous reunion, emphasizing the importance of community and connection.

A Sacred Adoration:

One of the retreat’s most spiritually enriching moments was the adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Led by Father Fabian Cardenas, this profound worship experience allowed us not only to share our ideas and experiences but also to open our hearts and spirits to the divine. The sacredness of this moment left a lasting impression.

Words of Blessing:

As the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament concluded, our Provincial, Father Mel Trinidad, shared his heartfelt greetings and offered the traditional Salesian good night to the Youth Ministry Team. His words of blessing set the tone for a spiritually meaningful retreat.

Deepening the Journey:

On day two, Saturday, our retreat continued with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. John Itzaina. In his homily, Fr. John emphasized the universal nature of the Catholic Church, a welcoming home for all, regardless of their backgrounds. This message resonated deeply with all of us.

Following the mass, we came together for a communal breakfast, where every member of the Provincial Youth Ministry Team contributed to its preparation. This collaborative effort highlighted the spirit of unity and teamwork that defines our Salesian family.

Exploring Don Bosco’s Dream:

One of the retreat’s most significant aspects was our exploration of Don Bosco’s dream, which he had at the tender age of 9. This dream not only revealed his identity but also bestowed upon him a mission that gave birth to our Salesian existence.

Under the guidance of Fr. John, we delved into the mysteries embedded in this dream. We contemplated its profound impact on Don Bosco’s life and the Salesian charism, addressing key aspects:

• The Relationship Between History, Memory, and Story: We learned how remembering the dream experience (memory) and narrating it (story) helped Don Bosco grow both humanly and spiritually.
• The Nature of Dreams: Don Bosco’s childhood dream signified a divine intention, demanding realization.
• Dream as “Supernatural Communication”: We explored how the dream was not just a personal revelation but also a prophetic word of God, illuminating Don Bosco’s path and guiding the Salesian mission.

Fr. John meticulously dissected the dream’s various facets, emphasizing its charismatic elements that have shaped our mission and identity. We drew parallels with biblical narratives, particularly the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain.

Aldo Giraldo’s words reminded us of the dream’s profound significance, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and guidance for us all. The dream of 1824 impacts not only the Salesian Family but also Don Bosco’s own journey of vocation and mission.

Personal Reflections and Insights:

Our retreat continued with personal reflections and small group discussions. We contemplated the insights we gained from the dream of 1824 and its relevance to our Salesian mission priorities.

Embracing the Strenna of 2024:

Our Salesian schools have embraced the Strenna of 2024: “The dream that makes you dream: A heart that transforms ‘wolves’ into ‘lambs’.” We brainstormed creative ways to embody this theme and integrate it into our educational and pastoral plans.

Understanding the EDUCATIVE-PASTORAL COMMUNITY (EPC):

A significant part of our retreat was devoted to understanding and communicating the EDUCATIVE-PASTORAL COMMUNITY (EPC) concept. We discussed strategies to support the entire Salesian Province in comprehending how the EPC functions, aligning it with our Province Organic Plan (POP) and the Province Salesian Educational-Pastoral Plan (PSEPP).

Day of Eucharistic Grace:

On the final day, Sunday, we gathered for a meaningful Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Fabian. His words echoed the Gospel’s message of God’s boundless generosity, reinforcing our commitment to providing love and support to all young people, regardless of their backgrounds.

Sharing and Planning:

After mass, we came together once more for breakfast, concluding the retreat with a comprehensive sharing of department and delegation reports, updates, and a review of the calendar for the remainder of 2023 and 2024.

In closing, the Provincial Youth Ministry Team Retreat has been a journey of spiritual growth, reflection, and unity. We leave this retreat reinvigorated and inspired to carry forward the wisdom and guidance we have received. As educators and leaders, we are reminded of our duty to treat all young people with love, kindness, and unwavering support, just as God treats us all equally in His boundless generosity.

May the lessons learned during this retreat continue to inspire us as we work tirelessly to shape the hearts and minds of the young people in our Salesian Province. Together, we embark on a journey of empowerment, nurturing big dreams, and supporting our youth every step of the way. In God’s eyes, we are all equally cherished.