The morning of Tuesday 26 May was devoted to encountering the Word of God through Lectio Divina, led by Fr Jerry Matsoumbou, a member of the Youth Ministry Sector. The session drew inspiration from the Gospel of John (15:1–16), in which Jesus presents himself as the vine and the disciples as the branches, called to bear fruit. The meditation helped the participants to grasp how “in the life of the pastor, apostolic fruitfulness is the result of the centrality of Christ”.
Following this, the delegates celebrated the Eucharist, presided over by Fr Oscar Lozano, Coordinator of the Education Office in the PG Sector.
In the afternoon, Fr Lozano led a reflection on the need to nurture the educational environment in Salesian works. His talk highlighted the importance of environmental pedagogy in the style of Don Bosco, emphasising the urgency of promoting an organic and systemic pastoral approach capable of generating fruitful educational environments. In this perspective, the Youth Ministry Delegate is called to refer to the model of the Preventive System, structured around the four fundamental environments – home, school, playground and parish – which together constitute a single educational ecosystem.
To take this perspective seriously means being consistent with the Oratory approach indicated in the Salesian Constitutions, and further developed in the Youth Ministry Framework for the various environments.
The second part of the afternoon was devoted to the topic of mental health care. Dr Monica Ronchi and Dr Antonella Sinagoga, together with Fr Carlos Mendez, all members of the Youth Ministry Sector, explored the topic, highlighting the importance of the Delegate’s personal well-being. It was emphasised how the many responsibilities and the impact of digital culture can affect quality of life, making it necessary to promote more balanced and healthy lifestyles. The session was enriched by a number of group dynamics that fostered personal awareness and concluded with practical suggestions for individual well-being.
Wednesday 27 May, on the other hand, focused on certain elements of Pastoral Theology and the condition of young people, led by Fr Gustavo Cavagnari, theologian and lecturer at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS).
Fr Cavagnari began his reflection by recalling the experience of the Synod on Young People, which offered an in-depth analysis of the contemporary reality of young people thanks to the contributions of young people and experts from all over the world. From this process, a number of significant challenges for the Church and the Salesian mission emerged: In the afternoon, Fr Cavagnari led a session of personal reflection followed by group discussion, with the aim of identifying how these challenges manifest themselves in the various Salesian provinces and Regions.
the dimension of the body, affectivity and sexuality; the relationship with truth, marked by the culture of post-truth; the impact of digital culture, beyond mere technological tools; the crisis of trust in institutions and the search for new forms of participation; the difficulty in making decisions faced with a multitude of possibilities; the return of the sacred dimension in the post-secular context.
This theological reflection helps participants to understand and explore the first chapter of the Framework for Salesian Youth Ministry, a genuine tool that shapes the model of Salesian Youth Ministry.
The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist in the Basilica, presided over by Fr Cavagnari himself.
{gallery}RMG – Scuola PG – 25 e 26-05-2026{/gallery}
