The morning was dedicated to reflection on mercy in the lives of young people. The SYM Forum was attended by representatives of Salesian provinces from 41 countries. They were welcomed by Fr Fabio Attard, Councillor General of the Salesians for Youth Ministry, and Sister Runita Borja, Councillor of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for Youth Ministry. After the screening of a film about the link between Don Bosco and Divine Mercy, work in the various language groups began. The young people reflected on the challenges that the world puts before them in doing the works of mercy and the benefit they gain from this. They also had the task of drawing up the SYM message to the world, which will be announced next Sunday and will be delivered to Pope Francis. The second part of the morning was devoted to the dialogue of young people with Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, and Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the FMA. Young people from Slovenia, Angola, Venezuela and Mexico asked them how they can live and share mercy with others in these difficult times, full of wars and violence, when the Christian anthropological vision of man is questioned, and what is the response of the Congregation. The Rector Major observed that the youth of the Salesian environments live in danger of being unable to change anything. The answer to this will be our unity, which is a source of strength. Mother General emphasized that our task is to look at other people with empathy, as Pope Francis teaches us and the whole Church, with due attention to the clear understanding of the person according to the divine plan. This part of the meeting ended with the celebration of the Eucharist. In his words to the assembly, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime pointed out that in the context of the Beatitudes, Jesus' name is Mercy. Recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Lord of our lives means that we have the right to live with hope. When we read the Beatitudes our lives can change.

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