Over 200 Young People Gather in Brescia for the SYM 2026 Forum on Peace

(ANS – Brescia) – It was not a weekend of idle chatter, but a true immersion in what it means to “get your hands dirty” for the common good. The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) 2026 Youth Forum, held on March 7–8 in Brescia, brought together over 200 young people from the Italian regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna under a single imperative: “Aim for peace.” And … Continuar leyendo Over 200 Young People Gather in Brescia for the SYM 2026 Forum on Peace

“LEADING THE WAY TOGETHER”: Universal Civil Service 2026 with the Salesian Network

(ANS – Rome) – The call for applications to select volunteers for the 2026 Universal Civil Service is now available online. A total of 1,150 positions are open for projects in Italy and abroad promoted by the Salesian social network. The initiative is open to young adults ages 18–28 and represents a meaningful opportunity for civic engagement, personal development, and professional growth. The program focuses on … Continuar leyendo “LEADING THE WAY TOGETHER”: Universal Civil Service 2026 with the Salesian Network

The 2026 Rector Major’s Message to the Salesian Youth Movement: A Global Conversation on Listening, Friendship, and Truth

(ANS – Rome) – The 2026 Message of the Rector Major to the Salesian Youth Movement has taken on renewed vitality through its recent video presentation, in which the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, addresses young people around the world directly and personally. Although the message had already been officially released, this new format allows its central themes to resonate more vividly, fostering deeper … Continuar leyendo The 2026 Rector Major’s Message to the Salesian Youth Movement: A Global Conversation on Listening, Friendship, and Truth

Empowering Youth: A Week of Dreams, Service, and Leadership

By Luis Chacon, Youth minister, Salesian Volunteers Coordinator and Public Relations Specialist at Salesian Family Youth Center (Boyle Heights, California) – At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we empower young people in many ways: by creating spaces for their voices to be heard, exposing them to new environments, walking with them in faith, and forming them as leaders through real-life experiences. This past week reflects … Continuar leyendo Empowering Youth: A Week of Dreams, Service, and Leadership

Fifteen Thousand Young People Gathered in Paris for the 48th European Taizé Meeting

(ANS – Paris) – Fifteen thousand young people from all over Europe gathered last week in Paris to welcome the new year and experience the 48th European Taizé Meeting. The parishes in the capital and the Île-de-France region mobilized to welcome all these young people, and the Salesian parishes in Paris and Argenteuil also opened their doors: 80 young people were hosted by families in the … Continuar leyendo Fifteen Thousand Young People Gathered in Paris for the 48th European Taizé Meeting

Celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement

(ANS – Catania) – Yesterday, Catania experienced a day of great enthusiasm during the second day of the Rector Major’s visit, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement. The city, immersed in an atmosphere of celebration and participation, welcomed over 2,000 young people from all over Sicily, who gathered at the Metropolitan Theater, near the splendid Villa Bellini. A Movement that … Continuar leyendo Celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement

SYM SoCal Youth Advisory Gathering: A Day of Community & Family 

By Victoria Figueroa, Coordinator of Salesian Youth Movement USA West  (Los Angeles, California) – On Saturday, September 20, approximately 40 young people from our Southern California sites gathered for a day of reflection and community building. As a Salesian Youth Movement, our goal is always to create a welcoming space for all young people of our province. We did just that at St Mary’s Parish! … Continuar leyendo SYM SoCal Youth Advisory Gathering: A Day of Community & Family 

SYM Youth Meeting: Firm in the Faith

(Padua, Italy – September 2025) – An intense weekend full of life involving the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of the Triveneto as protagonists. On 21 September, at the Don Bosco Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Padua, about 700 boys and girls from 31 different settings – including oratories, schools and parishes – gathered for the SYM … Continuar leyendo SYM Youth Meeting: Firm in the Faith

Join our SYM September Digital Gathering

(Bellflower, California) – Calling all young people of the Salesian Youth Movement USA West! You’re invited to join us for an inspiring Digital Gathering this September! It’s this SUNDAY! Let’s come together virtually to strengthen our faith, connect as one, and keep the spirit of Don Bosco alive. Don’t miss out—this is YOUR moment! #SYMUSAWest Source: Salesian Youth Movement-Movimiento Juvenil Salesiano SUO  Continuar leyendo Join our SYM September Digital Gathering

Youth in Action Against Violence: 15 Months of Active Engagement for Peace in Ecuador and Mexico

(ANS) – Violence in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and the state of Baja California, Mexico, is a reality that marks the daily lives of thousands of families. Insecurity has increased in recent months, and extortion practices – popularly known as ‘vaccines’ – also affect small street businesses. In this difficult context, the Building Societies and life projects free from violence project, supported by the Spanish Salesian NGO Bosco … Continuar leyendo Youth in Action Against Violence: 15 Months of Active Engagement for Peace in Ecuador and Mexico

Youth Jubilee, the Angelus: Close to the Young Who Suffer and Looking Ahead to Seoul 2027

(ANS – Rome) – The thought is for everyone. For the young people of Gaza, Ukraine, the lands bathed in the blood of conflict, for Pascale, who died of a heart attack on the way to Rome, and for Maria, who died before embarking on the journey. It is for the companions – bishops, priests, religious men and women, educators – who took charge of these … Continuar leyendo Youth Jubilee, the Angelus: Close to the Young Who Suffer and Looking Ahead to Seoul 2027

From Argentina to Rome: Youth and Bishops United for the Jubilee of Hope

(ANS – Rome) – From July 29 to August 3, 2025, over a thousand young people from Argentina took part in the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, alongside hundreds of thousands of other youth from around the globe. The experience was marked by vigils, Eucharistic celebrations, fraternity, and a deep commitment to peace and to the most vulnerable. A Key … Continuar leyendo From Argentina to Rome: Youth and Bishops United for the Jubilee of Hope

Youth Jubilee in Rome: Many Young Ukrainians Among the Participants, With the Salesians Always at Their Side

(ANS – Rome) – Among the million boys and girls who participated in the Youth Jubilee, there were about 2,000 Ukrainian pilgrims who travelled to Rome. They were from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Latin Catholic Church and followed the Jubilee program together with young people from all over the world. Accompanying some of these young people were Salesian bishops Maksym Ryabukha, Bishop of … Continuar leyendo Youth Jubilee in Rome: Many Young Ukrainians Among the Participants, With the Salesians Always at Their Side

 #SYMJubilee Festival: Gathering of 5,000 Salesian Youth at the Jubilee of Hope 2025

(ANS – Rome) – On July 30, 2025 the highly anticipated SYM Jubilee Festival took place  in front of the Basilica of St. John Bosco in Rome, as the central event for the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM – MGS) during the Jubilee of Youth. It was a vibrant celebration blending artistic performances, personal testimonies, and moments of spirituality – all deeply rooted in the Salesian values of faith, joy, interculturality, and … Continuar leyendo  #SYMJubilee Festival: Gathering of 5,000 Salesian Youth at the Jubilee of Hope 2025

Pope to Young Pilgrims: “Your Voices Will Be Heard to the Ends of the Earth”

(ANS – Vatican City) – At the opening of the Jubilee of Youth, the Holy Father welcomes young people to St. Peter’s Square, inviting them to pray for peace: “Let us walk together with our faith in Jesus Christ.” On Tuesday evening, Pope Leo XIV welcomed young people in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. After the welcoming Mass in St. Peter’s Square, which was celebrated … Continuar leyendo Pope to Young Pilgrims: “Your Voices Will Be Heard to the Ends of the Earth”

Jubilee of Youth: Young People from Around the World “Invade” Rome Saying, “We Want to Live, Not Just Get By”

(ANS – Rome) – The Jubilee of Youth has transformed the face of Rome. The usual summer crowds of older tourists from America, Japan, and Germany have made way for a peaceful “army” of hundreds of thousands of young people from every corner of the globe. With colorful outfits, radiant smiles, and vibrant energy, they’ve arrived to celebrate the Holy Year dedicated to them—together with Pope … Continuar leyendo Jubilee of Youth: Young People from Around the World “Invade” Rome Saying, “We Want to Live, Not Just Get By”

Songs, Shouts, and Heavy Rain: The Jubilee of Youth Kicks Off in Rome

(ANS – Rome) – With a full day dedicated to arrivals and settling in, the Jubilee of Youth officially began on Monday, July 28. Rome is already feeling the joyful presence of thousands of young pilgrims flooding the streets, speaking many languages and bringing vibrant color to the Eternal City. The rhythmic beat of an unusual summer rain merges with spontaneous street chants, singing in chorus, and the … Continuar leyendo Songs, Shouts, and Heavy Rain: The Jubilee of Youth Kicks Off in Rome

BEUropean Erasmus+ Youth Exchange: A Week of Learning, Solidarity and Growth

(ANS – Sliema) – The Friends of Don Bosco – Malta organized an Erasmus+ youth exchange called ‘BEUropean’ that brought together young people from Malta and Ukraine for a meaningful week of exploring European identity, fostering active citizenship, and sharing diverse cultural experiences. The program aimed to raise awareness of what it means to be European, provide a safe space for open dialogue, and highlight youth voices … Continuar leyendo BEUropean Erasmus+ Youth Exchange: A Week of Learning, Solidarity and Growth

Youth Disconnect to Reconnect: Connect 2.5 Unites Faith and Nature

(ANS – Sulcorna) – Over 100 young people from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka gathered at Don Bosco Agro-Ed Farm, Sulcorna, Goa, on July 20, 2025, for the much-anticipated Connect 2.5 retreat. Jointly organized by the Salesian Youth Movement and Don Bosco Youth Services, the event invited participants to disconnect from their digital screens and reconnect with nature, spirituality, and community. Despite heavy morning rains, the participants embraced the monsoon-kissed landscape of Goa … Continuar leyendo Youth Disconnect to Reconnect: Connect 2.5 Unites Faith and Nature

Twelve Young Syrians in Italy: Twinning, Pilgrimage, and a Touching Encounter with the Rector Major

(ANS – Rome) – Despite the ongoing war and tension devastating the Middle East, twelve young people from the Salesian oratories of Aleppo and Kafroun, accompanied by Fr. Pier Jabolayan, the Rector of the Salesian house in Aleppo, experienced an extraordinary journey of faith and sharing in Italy. This trip, organized during the Jubilee Year, brought together fraternity, spirituality, and renewal of the Salesian charism. The … Continuar leyendo Twelve Young Syrians in Italy: Twinning, Pilgrimage, and a Touching Encounter with the Rector Major

St. Mary’s Youth Leaders Volunteer at Camp Savio

By Luis Chacon, CYM (Bellflower, California) – How far do young people really have to go to grow? Sometimes, just 15 miles is enough to feel like you’ve entered a completely different world. For many youth, stepping out of their familiar environments can be intimidating. New faces, new energy, new ways of doing things—it’s not always easy. However, the truth is that it’s in those exact moments of discomfort … Continuar leyendo St. Mary’s Youth Leaders Volunteer at Camp Savio

SYLC 2025 –  “Anchor Your Heart, Chart the Course”

By Marisol Becerra, Youth Ministry Assistant From June 7 to June 14, 2025, the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) brought together over 130 youth from more than 15 Salesian communities across the western United States for a transformative week of faith, formation, and fellowship. The conference was led by the executive team, which included: Fr. Fabian Cardenas (SYLC Director), Gina Robles (Conference Coordinator), Dcn. Damien … Continuar leyendo SYLC 2025 –  “Anchor Your Heart, Chart the Course”

International Day Against Hate Speech: ‘Youth and Development’ Affirms the Value of Diversity and a Culture of Peace

(ANS – Madrid) – More than 57,000 messages containing hate speech were detected in the last month alone by the Spanish Observatory on Racism and Xenophobia on five major social networks. At the same time, the European Parliament warns that 76% of young people are exposed to disinformation. These figures are cause for alarm. At the Salesian Jóvenes y Desarrollo (JyD) NGO, young people work to … Continuar leyendo International Day Against Hate Speech: ‘Youth and Development’ Affirms the Value of Diversity and a Culture of Peace

‘Didn’t Our Hearts Burn Within Us?’ The Youth Jubilee as Told by Young People

(ANS – Vatican City) – What remains at the end of an experience such as the Youth Jubilee, held in Rome on the last weekend of April 2025? We leave the answer to two young people who participated in the Youth Jubilee in Rome, two members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). The first testimony, from a young man from the SYM in Triveneto, reports: … Continuar leyendo ‘Didn’t Our Hearts Burn Within Us?’ The Youth Jubilee as Told by Young People

Salesian Youth Movement USA West: Meets, Greets, and Looks Forward

By Victoria Figueroa, SYM Coordinator (Bellflower, California) – Young People from our parishes, schools, and youth centers met this past Sunday, October 13, 2024, to discuss their dreams for the Salesian Youth Movement. The meeting consisted of an introduction to the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), community builders, and the vision for the SYM in the USA Western Province.  The Salesian Youth Movement recognizes the importance of … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Movement USA West: Meets, Greets, and Looks Forward