DIMAPUR, July 7, 2026
An Awareness programme on Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) brought together 28 SDBs and 10 FMAs for a day of reflection, formation, and renewed commitment to youth ministry.
The programme was graced by Fr. Deli Kapani, SDB, Vice Provincial, Fr. Patrick Lepcha, SDB, Youth Coordinator of South Asia, Sr. Lolia Annie, FMA, resource person, Fr. Theotimus Lakra, SDB, Youth Pastoral Delegate of the Province.
Delivering the inaugural address, Fr. Joseph Pampackal, SDB, Provincial of Dimapur, warmly welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude to the resource persons for their generous service to the Church and the Salesian Family. He extended a special welcome to Fr. Patrick Lepcha, acknowledging his vast experience in Salesian youth ministry, and to Sr. Lolia Annie, appreciating her commitment to accompanying young people. He also thanked Fr. Deli Kapani, the Vice Provincial, for his encouragement and unwavering support of the Salesian Youth Movement.
Addressing the delegates, Fr. Pampackal emphasized that every young person deserves to be accompanied by adults who believe in them, echoing the vision of St. John Bosco, the founder of the Salesians.
Quoting Don Bosco’s famous words, “It is enough that you are young for me to love you very much,” the Provincial reminded participants that these words were not merely inspirational but the very foundation of Don Bosco’s life and mission. He noted that Don Bosco transformed ordinary young people into extraordinary apostles by living among them, trusting them, giving them responsibility, and helping them dream.
Drawing from Article 26 of the Salesian Constitutions, Fr. Pampackal reminded the gathering that the Lord entrusted Don Bosco’s mission first and foremost to the young. He urged every Salesian community to evaluate its pastoral initiatives by asking one fundamental question: “Will this help our young people to grow?” He said that a positive answer signifies fidelity to Don Bosco’s mission.
Highlighting the Frame of Reference for Salesian Youth Ministry, the Provincial explained that the Salesian Youth Movement is much more than an organisation. It is a spiritual movement rooted in Gospel values and inspired by Salesian spirituality. He challenged participants to recognize young people not merely as volunteers or participants but as leaders, missionaries, evangelizers, and builders of God’s Kingdom. “Our task,” he stressed, “is not to replace them but to accompany them.”
Referring to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, Fr. Pampackal reminded the assembly that “Young people are not only the future of the Church; they are its present.” He encouraged the Salesian Family to offer young people their trust, time, accompaniment, and a welcoming environment where they feel accepted, valued, and loved.
The Provincial further reflected on Valdocco, the original Salesian Oratory established by Don Bosco, describing it as “a home that welcomed, a parish that evangelized, a school that prepared for life, and a playground where friends met in joy.” He called upon every Salesian institution to recreate this spirit, making Valdocco a living reality in each educational, pastoral, and social setting.
Inviting participants to dream together, Fr. Pampackal envisioned young leaders deeply rooted in Christ who would become missionaries to other youth. He expressed hope that the two-day formation programme would renew enthusiasm, strengthen communion, deepen Salesian identity, and rekindle the missionary zeal that burned in the heart of Don Bosco.
He entrusted the gathering to the maternal care of Mary Help of Christians, invoking the intercession of St. John Bosco and St. Dominic Mary Mazzarello, and prayed that the programme would become a time of grace, renewal, inspiration, and mission.
The formation programme seeks to strengthen the Salesian Youth Movement across the Province by forming committed youth leaders capable of promoting Salesian spirituality and fostering communities where every young person experiences belonging, faith, education, friendship, and joyful participation in the life and mission of the Church.