The SYM Forum of Central Italy stands as the premier gathering of young Salesians within a region encompassing the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from seven Italian regions. It harmonizes spirituality, celebration, personal and social development, integration into the local Church, engagement with the community, and reverence for local traditions within its program. Over the past decade, six Forums have united over 8,000 young individuals, aged between 15 and 30, in shared purpose and camaraderie.
The inaugural day unfolded amidst the breathtaking greenery of Monte Claro Park. Accompanied by music and dance, the youth congregated in the events area, where they absorbed the poignant testimonies of esteemed guests, recounting their journeys through moments of darkness and resilience, buoyed by the support of guiding adults. Subsequently, the verdant lawn metamorphosed into a communal dining space, adorned by the warmth of around a hundred families, fostering a delightful evening that offered a glimpse of Sardinia's famed hospitality. As twilight descended, the expansive green terrain transformed into a natural cathedral: the prayer vigil witnessed the collective fervor of a thousand young souls, immersed in communion with the Divine, in a stirring Eucharistic adoration where opportunities for confession were tenderly extended.
On Friday, a sea of a thousand red T-shirts flooded the city streets, eager to absorb testimonies of hope amidst urban life. These narratives emanated from individuals serving the most vulnerable sectors: the impoverished, incarcerated, homeless, disabled, and migrants. Additionally, they explored beacons of hope scattered across the cityscape: from the Asylum of the Navy, offering solace to homeless youth, to the historic Bastion terrace, a symbol of transformation from war remnants to a symbol of resilience; from the Crypt of the Saints, enshrining the relics of countless witnesses, to the Anti-Aircraft Shelter, a testament to the salvation of many during the 1943 bombings.
Following an afternoon of engaging workshops centered on hope, the young participants curated an evening of exceptional entertainment, led by the charismatic presenter Matteo Bruni. The stage came alive with stirring testimonies from esteemed figures including the young writer Matteo Porru, the author known as 'Manu Invisible,' and the remarkable athlete Roberto Zanda. Zanda, an ultra-marathon runner renowned for his achievements in extreme sports despite losing all four limbs, captivated the audience with his inspiring story of resilience and determination.
To conclude the evening, Gianluca Medas enraptured the youthful audience with his narrative of Cagliari's phoenix-like resurgence after its devastation in the Allied bombings of 1943. He underscored a unique linguistic insight, highlighting that in Sardinian, there exists no specific word for 'future,' yet the concept is encapsulated within the essence of 'hope.' The night culminated in melodious musical performances, followed by a heartfelt goodnight delivered by the Salesian Provincial, Fr Stefano Aspettati.
The three-day journey of the Salesian Youth Movement reached its conclusion on the morning of Saturday, April 27th, on the parvis of the Basilica of Our Lady of Bonaria. The culmination was marked by a pilgrimage of young participants to the simulacrum of the Patron Saint of Sardinia, followed by a Mass celebrated in the presence of the sea, led by Archbishop Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi.
Source: ICC Salesians
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/20986-italy-the-sym-forum-of-central-italy-in-cagliari-an-invasion-of-hope#sigProId799f15844b
