Lubumbashi, DR Congo – January 2026 – The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of the Southern Zone of the AFC Province of Mary Help of Christians organised the fourth edition of the Pastoral School for Young Leaders from 15 to 18 January at the St Vincent de Paul College in Ruashi, Lubumbashi. Over 130 young students, university students and other young people involved in Salesian pastoral work in local communities, coming from various Salesian ministries in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, participated in this human, pastoral and spiritual formation. Under the theme of the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026, ‘Do whatever he tells you – Believers, free to serve,’ this formation aimed to strengthen the leadership skills of young leaders, using an ecclesial and Salesian approach in a synodal framework. In an atmosphere of attentive listening, the young people benefited from rich and varied, relevant and engaging teachings: from self-knowledge to personal development; vocational challenges in the synodal Church; reflection on the ethics and identity of young Christians in the age of AI, and many other topics were explored by experts in their fields, who were able to effectively convey to young people what they need for their human and Christian lives. The spiritual dimension was enhanced by Fr Yav Jonas, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, and by numerous SDBs, FMAs and VDBs.
