by: Mary Christine Joyce Arias & Jane Gabrille Maglente
On November 18, 2023, youth leaders and animators from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) and Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish—Don Bosco, Mati, Davao Oriental, joined in a formation program held at Dacudao, Calinan, Davao City. The program aimed to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills to be effective leaders and animators in their respective communities.
The program started at 9:30 AM with a prayer and opening remarks by Rev. Fr. Ariel Arias, SDB, the Youth In-charge of MHCP-Dacudao. He welcomed the participants and encouraged them to be open to learning and sharing. He also introduced the theme of the formation, “Be Good Christians and Upright Citizens”, which is based on the words of St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Family. Everybody then engaged in a get-to-know-each-other energizer activity, where they had the chance to meet and interact with new friends from different groups.
The first input session was given by Fr. Gino Godinez, SDB, who explained the meaning and implications of being good Christians and upright citizens in the context of the Salesian charism and the Philippine society. He emphasized the importance of living the Gospel values and being responsible and active members of the Church and the nation. He also shared some practical tips and examples on how to apply the theme in their daily lives. The participants then had the opportunity to share their insights and learnings from the input session with their small groups. They also presented their group outputs to the whole assembly, highlighting the key points and action plans that they came up with.
After the fellowship during lunch, the program resumed with a dance animation led by Don Bosco-Mati. The participants enjoyed the lively and upbeat music and moves, which energized them for the session that followed, which was given by Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, who introduced the SYM National Primer, a document that contains the vision, mission, identity, and structure of the SYM in the Philippines. He also distributed copies of the Primer to each participant and guided them through its contents. He explained the roles and functions of the SYM as a movement of young people who are inspired by the Salesian spirit and committed to the service of God and others.
Raniel A. Paca II shared some information about the Manifesto from the National Assembly Days of the SYM (NADS) 2023, a gathering of SYM representatives from all over the country that was held in Cebu. He explained the purpose and objectives of the NADS as well as the process.
To formally conclude the formation program, a Holy Mass was celebrated and presided over by Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB. He thanked the participants for their active and enthusiastic participation and reminded them to live out the theme of the formation in their respective settings.
The formation program was a great opportunity for the youth leaders and animators to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Salesian charism and the SYM. It was also a chance for them to strengthen their bond and friendship with one another and to share their experiences and challenges as leaders and animators. The program also challenged them to be more faithful and responsible in their roles and tasks and to be more involved and supportive of the SYM activities and initiatives.
