Don Bosco Philippines, South (FIS) Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna, April 10-14, 2018
Eighty-nine (89) delegates composed of youth leaders from SYM-FIN and SYM-FIS, SDB, and FMA gathered in the National Assembly Days (NADs) dubbed “ABLAZE”. The theme was inspired by the Scriptural passage, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”, Luke 24:32. The assembly was held last April 10-14, 2018 at Don Bosco College – Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in the Philippines, the assembly aimed to revisit and revise the organizational identity, mission and vision of the SYM- Philippines prompted by the fast changing new generation of the youth.
For five days, the participants held prayer moments, reflections, meetings, sharing, and fellowship. The youth leaders, with the minimum supervision of the Salesians and facilitated by Rev. Fr. Jose Dindo Vitug, SDB, finally came up with one SYM – Philippines identity, vision, and mission.
SALESIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT – PHILIPPINES
Identity
We are a Christ-centered movement of young people for the young people who, inspired by Saint John Bosco, embodies the Salesian Youth Spirituality and commits itself to the Church’s mission of educating and evangelizing, and journeying together towards holiness and social transformation.
Vision
A vast and dynamic movement of youthful missionary disciples at the forefront of the Church’s commitment to the youth ministry.
Mission
Committed to the mission of the Church, we:
· journey together towards a genuine friendship with Jesus and Mary;
· form and empower the young people to become good Christians and upright citizens; and,
· live and share the family spirit of Saint John Bosco towards the integral transformation of the society.
On the last day of the assembly, the delegates had the privilege to listen and encounter the General Councilor for Youth Ministry of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB. Fr. Attard, SDB encouraged the delegates especially the youth leaders and animators to discover Jesus within and follow Him and that young people are very much encourage to have a spiritual director who is not only wise, but wise and holy.
The National Assembly Days ended with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Rev. Fr. Attard, SDB and concelebrated by many Salesian priests.
(Contributor: Eduardo Empelis, Jr.)
