After the holy mass, the first session of the Salesian Youth Synod began with an assembly in the newly erected amphitheater, aptly named “The Field of Dreams.” Fr. Joebeth Lorbeth, the chief coordinator introduced the theme: “The Elements of the Dream” with a reflection on the importance of dreams, focusing on Don Bosco’s prophetic dream at the age of nine. He explained that dreams often reveal our life’s purpose and emphasized that Don Bosco’s dream was a divine revelation that shaped his mission. Fr. Joebeth discussed key elements of the dream, including the presence of young people, the lesson of using kindness over force, and the guidance of the Virgin Mary. He encouraged the youth to reflect on their own dreams, asking if God is the author of their aspirations.
After that, the blessing of the “Dream Park” commenced. The ceremony featured a Marian theme with readings and hymns, including a reading of Don Bosco’s dream at nine. Cardinal Angel, along with representatives from Don Bosco’s religious branches, blessed the new amphitheatre. Fr. Thatty, the Rector of Colle Don Bosco, shared the history of the space, and Mr. Umberto Musso, the Mayor of Castelnuovo Don Bosco, expressed his amazement at Don Bosco’s global impact. Cardinal Angel closed the ceremony by encouraging young people to pursue their dreams, noting how God can bring greatness from humble beginnings.
Following the morning reflection, the participants engaged in small group discussions, sharing their thoughts on what inspires them to recognize and pursue their dreams. These intimate conversations allowed the youth to connect deeply with one another, exchanging stories of the people, events, and experiences that have shaped their lives.
An interesting “Merchants of Dreams” activity followed in the afternoon. Each group was tasked with selecting an element from Don Bosco’s dream that they found particularly inspirational for today’s youth. Using their cell phones, they created short videos dramatizing these elements, whether through monologues, dialogues, storytelling, or dramatized scenes. The hope was that these videos would serve as valuable tools for the participants when they return home, helping them animate the Salesian Youth Movement in their local contexts.
In the afternoon, the synod participants gathered for a plenary session where they were introduced to the rules for the synodal process. Representatives from each language group presented summaries of the first part of the working document, which had been discussed on Monday. This document focused on the dreams of young people, exploring why they are significant and how they can be realized. Delegates were invited to write down clarification questions or propose changes, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive process.
During this time, the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) met separately to identify ten key points from their working document. These points will form the Salesian Decalogue, a concrete proposal for how Salesians can effectively accompany young people in achieving their dreams.
The evening brought a touch of magic to the synod as three Salesians from Spain performed the “Magia de Don Bosco” show. Their tricks and illusions captivated the audience, echoing the way Don Bosco himself used magic to draw young people in and teach them about the faith. The atmosphere was filled with wonder and joy, a testament to the enduring appeal of Don Bosco’s methods.
As the day ended, the young participants were deeply touched by a “Good Night” talk from Roman, a Salesian pre-novice from Ukraine. He shared his experiences working with the Salesians during the ongoing conflict, highlighting the care and presence they provide to young people in the midst of war. Roman told a poignant story of a boy at a Salesian oratory whose home was bombed, tragically killing a relative. Had the boy been at home, he might have also perished. Roman also recounted how his father, serving on the front lines, narrowly survived a bomb explosion, which Roman believes was due to God’s providence. He urged the youth to recognize God's presence in their own lives, even amidst suffering.
The third day of the Salesian Youth Synod was a day of deep reflection and inspiration. By exploring the elements of Don Bosco’s dream, engaging in meaningful discussions, and witnessing the power of God’s providence, the young participants were encouraged to dream big and pursue their goals with conviction. The day’s activities reinforced the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our dreams and the transformative power of living a life aligned with His will. As they continue their journey in the synod, the young people are empowered to take these lessons back to their communities, carrying forward the legacy of Don Bosco and his enduring dream.
