A theme considered very appropriate, chosen by the members of the “Small Team”, namely Pablo Osorio (Southern Europe), Marta Radić (Central Europe) and Jeanine Balzan Engerer (Northern Europe), plus Sr. Lolia Annie, FMA, and Fr Patrick Anthonyraj, SDB, so that the young people of the SYM from Europe and the Middle East could reflect on the Salesian mission in today's world and in the face of the current health crisis. In addition, Fr García centered his "Salesian goodnight" on the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti and Sister Runita did so on Saturday, closing the meeting with a reflection that invites young people to live, to action.
There was no lack of testimonies from various young people and a Salesian spoke in detail of how they are experiencing the situation of the pandemic in their countries and how Salesian Youth Ministry continues to serve young people.
The formation session took place on Saturday morning, this time conducted by the Maltese speaker, Dr. Marlene Cauchi, consultant, psychologist and professor at the University of Malta, who touched on the topic of the coronavirus crisis in the Salesian presence. He spoke of the impact on children, teenagers and young people, of the animators and of the difficulties that have arisen and, above all, of the new opportunities created. “We are children of dreamers, committed to a charism and a mission that has no limits,” he said.
The last session on Saturday was dedicated to the preparation of the Confronto 2021, the youth event of the SYM to be held in Italy from 11 to 16 August next, where a representation of young people from all the countries of Europe and the Middle East will meet to deepen the Salesian youth spirituality, going on pilgrimage to the Salesian places of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.
Ultimately, the gathering included moments of prayer, formation, reflection, sharing of experiences and music, for a Salesian Youth Movement that remains full of hope for young people even in times of pandemic.
Small Team SYM Europe
