Today, as we reflect on the journey and its impact, we are releasing a commemorative video capturing the daily highlights of this unforgettable experience. The video takes us back to moments of community, joy, dialogue, reflection, and prayer—reminding us of the profound effect the Synod continues to have on the lives of many.
The Synod had created countless ripples, and the young people have been active protagonists living, sharing, and building this experience and charism. In this moment of reminiscing those days, we share the voices of several youth who recount how the Synod shaped their hearts, minds, and missions. Their testimonies inspire us to believe in the power of dreams, service, and faith.
A Life-Changing Encounter with Don Bosco’s Spirit
For many participants, walking the very places where Don Bosco lived and dreamed left a deep impression. Ricky Toppo from India shared: “I was and I am blessed to see the room of dreams where Don Bosco dreamt about us 200 years ago. Knowing about his home and life's difficulties made me stronger and made me surrender to God's plan instead of mine.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how Don Bosco’s legacy continues to inspire them to greater service and deeper faith.
Moments of Personal Renewal
Many participants found the Synod to be an opportunity for spiritual renewal. Angélica Ordóñez from Honduras reflected: “Sometimes as leaders, we are used to supporting and serving all the time. For me, it was nice to be a recipient again and enjoy a space that was created for us. I did not realize that I had missed encountering Jesus in the Eucharist and in adoration so much. At that moment, I returned to the 8-year-old girl who had just joined the Salesian Youth Movement and met this friend Jesus who had made me fall in love with the charism.”
Similarly, Dipti Toppo from India shared how the Synod reaffirmed the Church’s trust in young people and its commitment to guiding them spiritually: “I learned that the Church gives priority to young people and trusts them. It not only wants to give us the opportunity to have a fruitful career, live a meaningful life, and have a good time but also to save our souls and improve our spiritual life.”
The Spirit of Collaboration and Unity
The Synod fostered a strong sense of unity among participants and Salesian leaders alike. Wendy Ponce from Bolivia beautifully described the collaborative atmosphere: “It was one of the best experiences of my life, a dream come true, to be part of the team that prepared the different moments of the Synod. It helped us not only to organize the different activities but also to prepare ourselves better because the teams were not only working groups but also helped to create strong bonds of friendship between the SDB, FMA, and laity.”
This spirit of unity was also evident to Pedro Beltrán from Colombia, who remarked: “After a journey of more than 16 hours from Colombia to Europe, the dream of all Salesian youths came true... Today, my heart is full of happiness, renewal and, above all, gratitude. Don Bosco continues to inspire me, and therefore his dream is also mine... When I look at all the young people of the world gathered here in one heart, I take with me the strength to continue to give my all and to bring an eternally young and risen Christ to all young people without distinction.”
Empowered to Serve
The Synod served as a platform for young people to realize their potential as leaders and servants. Jessica Lahoud from Lebanon appreciated the Synod’s empowerment of youth: “One of the aspects I particularly appreciated was the involvement of the youth in the Synod. The idea of having us, the young people, working together and voting under the supervision of the Salesians was both empowering and engaging. It really emphasized the importance of our voices in shaping the future.”
For others, like Noah Rodriguez from India, the collaboration between Salesians (SDBs) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMAs) was particularly inspiring: “One of the things that really inspired me was the great collaboration between SDB priests and FMA sisters. It was inspiring to see them working hand in hand and giving their best in every activity. With the same zeal and affection, I will return to my country, India, and along with Fr. Patrick, I will do my best to replicate the same collaboration in SYM South Asia.”
A Universal Family
The Synod also highlighted the universality of the Salesian charism. Pablo Osorio from Spain reflected on this sense of belonging: “This meeting made me realize the universality of our spirit and gave me the feeling of being part of a big family that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. It was also a great satisfaction to be the General Secretary of this Synod, which allowed me to actively participate in the organization and coordination of our reflections and decisions.”
Teaghan Dolan from Australia also shared how the Synod enriched her understanding of the Salesian spirit: “This Synod has enriched and strengthened certain aspects of my life: the unity and universality of the Catholic Church, the Salesian spirit in several languages, the strength of always believing in one's dreams, the will to do even better, the desire to offer with joy and love, confidence in one's abilities, fraternal life, love and confidence in God, and knowledge of Don Bosco.”
A Legacy That Lives On
As we look back at the Salesian Youth Synod six months later, it is clear that the experience continues to bear fruit in the lives of its participants. From spiritual renewal to greater collaboration and a deeper sense of mission, the Synod has left an indelible mark on young people around the world.
Through the release of the commemorative video and the sharing of these powerful testimonies, we are reminded that Don Bosco’s dream lives on—not only in the hearts of those who participated in the Synod but also in the countless lives they will go on to touch. Indeed, as one participant so beautifully put it: “I am one of your sons, Don Bosco.”
