The Synod coincides with the bicentenary of Don Bosco's famous "Dream at Nine," a pivotal moment that would inspire the Salesian charism. In his heartfelt welcome, Fr. Jose Lorbeth, the Chief coordinator of the Synod emphasized that this dream is the very reason they have gathered at Valdocco - a powerful testament to the enduring influence of dreams when they align with God's will.

Fr. Jose highlighted the symbolic significance of the Synod's logo, explaining that the event is designed as an immersive experience of prayer, community, reflection, and dialogue. The Synod honors both the dream of young Johnny Bosco and the aspirations of today's Salesian youth. It embodies the Salesian spirit of synodality, uniting young people under the protective mantle of Mary, symbolized by the color blue in the logo. This imagery reflects their journey of discernment and prayer, guiding them toward Christ, the Good Shepherd.

The preparations for  this Synod began much before the participants arrived in Valdocco. Over the past year, young people from across the Salesian world engaged in deep reflection and dreaming. A significant outcome of this preparatory phase was the collection of 211 dreams from youth in 94 countries, compiled into a special book. Additionally, a comprehensive questionnaire was distributed to provinces, inviting youth to share their aspirations for themselves, the Church, society, and the Salesian Youth Movement. These responses laid the foundation for the Synod's Instrumentum Laboris, which will guide discussions and deliberations throughout the week.

The Synod is organized around three key stages: the pre-synodal phase, the celebration in Valdocco and Colle Don Bosco, and the post-synodal implementation phase. Each day of the Synod explores a different aspect of Don Bosco's dream at nine, with the first day focusing on "Watch the Dream."

The inaugural ceremony set the tone with a modern video portrayal of the dream, capturing the participants' imaginations. This was followed by a solemn procession of the Word of God into the theatre, underscoring the centrality of God's presence in the Synod. After a moment of prayer, participants engaged in a lively Kahoot game, testing their knowledge of Salesian history and spirituality. The opening ceremony concluded with the presentation of the working document to representatives from five language groups: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and French.

Following the formalities, participants embarked on guided tours of Valdocco, immersing themselves in the rich history and legacy of Don Bosco. This experiential learning was designed to help young delegates not only understand Don Bosco's life but also to witness how his dream has continued to bear fruit across generations and continents. Fr. Jose Lorbeth encouraged the participants to seize this rare opportunity to connect deeply with one another, urging them to meet and learn about 10-20 new people each day, fostering a spirit of global Salesian unity.

The theme "Watch the Dream" guided participants in their reflections, reminding them that they are part of a larger, divine dream - a dream that began with a nine-year-old Johnny Bosco and continues to inspire millions worldwide. The Salesian Youth Synod 2024 is more than an event; it is a movement, a celebration, and a testament to the power of dreams aligned with God's vision. As the Synod progresses, participants will dive deeper into the significance of Don Bosco's dream, exploring its relevance today and discovering how they, too, can shape the future in the "Shape of His Dream."

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