"It is a great joy to see how so many young people, Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and members of other groups of the Salesian Family in our houses have chosen to live this powerful experience that integrates naturally into the processes and itineraries of our Salesian Youth Ministry," an SYM statement said. Xabier Camino, Delegate for Youth Ministry of the Spain-Saint James the Greater (SSM) Province, emphasizes that "this capacity to attract people is a reflection of constant work in youth centers, in itineraries of faith education, in educational-pastoral projects..."
Around the world, SYM will have its own special celebration as part of World Youth Day in Lisbon. "We have reserved August 2 for the meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement of the World. The meeting will have two parts: in the morning, a time of forum, reflection, and dialogue, with a representative from each Province; in the afternoon, the big celebration that we will hold in Estoril, a meeting of young people in the purest Salesian style, with Jesus Christ at the center, and lived in full Salesian joy," explains Fr. Jordi Lleixà, Delegate for Youth Ministry of the Spain-Mary Help of Christians (SMX) Province.
During the months leading up to World Youth Day, young people in Salesian establishments will have the opportunity to prepare for this meeting. The Salesian Youth Movement has launched a series of "formative pills" in preparation for the event, aimed at offering, at the local level, a time and space for living together, formation, and reflection that serve to prepare for the experience. "It is a formative proposal so that young people can reflect on what participation in this meeting means for their Christian life. It is meant to be a way to prepare the hearts of each person and the group for the richness and beauty they will be able to experience in sharing the joy and beauty of faith with so many young Christians from different parts of the world, from the most diverse backgrounds and charisms," says María José Silva, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Delegate for Youth Ministry of the FMA of Spain.
Another of the initiatives the SYM has launched is a contest to choose the shirt that young pilgrims from Spanish Salesian circles will wear during the final Vigil and sending-off Eucharist with Pope Francis. "We wanted to give voice to the youth of our Salesian houses through art. In this way, moreover, young people from Salesian environments throughout Spain will have the opportunity to feel more closely their belonging to the Salesian Youth Movement, united by the same identity," clarifies Álex Redondo, coordinator of the Salesian Youth Movement in Spain.
It is worth noting, finally, that the celebration will not only be in Lisbon. In the days leading up to WYD, Salesian houses in Spain are preparing to welcome over 2,000 pilgrims from other countries who will be staying in various Spanish cities.
