The morning of Monday 1 June began with an introduction by Fr Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, who traced the historical development of the SYMFoR, emphasising how its origins are deeply rooted in fidelity to the Salesian Constitutions.
“For us,” he stated, “the Frame of Reference is not a document drawn up by a group of intellectuals, but the result of a re-reading of our Constitutions in the light of pastoral processes and experiences. The systematisation of these experiences has enabled us to clarify and guide our educative and pastoral work, so as to respond to the challenges of the present day whilst remaining faithful to Don Bosco’s charism.”
Following this, Fr Win Maria Collin, professor of Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome, offered a reflection on the Preventive System as a concrete experience of spiritual accompaniment and a path to holiness. Through an exploration of the lives of the Salesian saints, he highlighted how the pedagogy of accompaniment represents a true school of holiness.
Reflecting on the theme, Fr Collin emphasised: “Holiness must be understood as a journey. Spiritual models are not simply to be repeated, but to be taken as a guide for educational work. The Preventive System educates for holiness, helping us to become aware of God’s prevenient love and to respond to it in service to others, thereby also bringing about social transformation.”
In the afternoon, Fr Joebeth Vivo and Fr Patrick Lepchap, members of the central team of the Youth Ministry Sector, led the Delegates in a dynamic workshop based on a number of case studies. In the first phase, an analytical methodology was presented for addressing concrete situations related to the world of young people, using the Preventive System as an interpretative framework.
Subsequently, the participants, divided into groups, worked on the proposed cases, before sharing the results of their reflection with the whole assembly through spokespersons. The experience proved particularly meaningful, as the situations analysed – simple yet realistic – required discernment and the identification of concrete responses in the light of the principles of reason, religion and charity.
At the end of the day, Fr Joan Lluís Playà, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, explored the theme of the relationship between Youth Ministry and the Salesian Family; whilst Frs Reginaldo Cordeiro, Eric Mairura and Pavel Zenizek, from the Missions Sector, illustrated the dynamics of collaboration between the Salesian Missions Sector and the areas of youth ministry.
Tuesday 2 June was dedicated to reflection on the Educative and Pastoral Community (EPC). Fr Bejarano presented the various models of EPC found in Salesian works, highlighting the importance of teamwork and the role of local EPC councils in pastoral animation.
Following this, Fr Jerry Matsoumbou, also from the Youth Ministry Sector, offered a practical analysis, providing insights to identify operational approaches. “The Salesian mission,” he noted, “arises simultaneously as both lay and religious, and is a shared gift and responsibility. It cannot be understood or realised without this dual dimension. Salesians and laypeople are called to walk together, in a collaboration that expresses the very nature of the mission.”
From this perspective, the Educative and Pastoral Community takes shape as a concrete way of living and bearing witness to the Salesian charism, an experience of Church and family that makes synodality visible, in harmony with the guidelines of the Salesian magisterium, in particular General Chapter 29 (GC29).
In the afternoon, the proceedings continued with group activities among the participants, encouraging discussion and the re-examination of the content. In conclusion, Fr Guido Errico, from the Formation Sector, highlighted the importance of the link between pastoral care and formation, whilst Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, General Postulator for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, presented the theme of causes of sanctity within the Congregation, inviting everyone to value the testimonies of young people who, in the various provinces, have lived the Christian life in an exemplary manner.
In this atmosphere of intense participation and reflection, the Delegates continue their formation journey, strengthening a shared vision of the Salesian mission, rooted in the charism of Don Bosco and attentive to the challenges of the contemporary world of young people.
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