Portugal - National Assembly of Salesian Youth Movement
Fatima, Portugal - January 2023 - On January 21 at the Paul VI Center of the Fatima Shrine, the 14th National Assembly of the Salesian Youth Movement was held on the theme "WYD2023: It's Now! What's next?" SYM youth reflected on the expectations and impact that WYD will have on their lives and that of the Movement. The meeting was attended by Fr. José Aníbal Mendonça, Superior of the Salesian Province of Portugal, and Sister Rosa Cândida Gomes, FMA Provincial Superior. The assembly began with a dynamic and playful moment in which young people were challenged to answer a questionnaire about WYD. The winner was rewarded with a T-shirt from "WYD DON BOSCO 23," the SYM organization responsible for the convocation to WYD2023 in Lisbon of young people from Salesian environments worldwide. After the presentation of the young representatives of the various Salesian presences, a formative moment was experienced, in which the participants were able to reflect on what they expect from WYD and how they intend to live the post-WYD time, both personally and as SYM. In addition, SYM National Council members shared their enriching experiences at the SYM Europe and Middle East Assembly held in November 2022 in Zagreb.