Along with the Provincials and Youth Ministry Delegates, the Presidents of the National Associations (Socio-Cultural Youth Clubs, Youth and Social Tourism, Salesian Cooperators and Past Pupils) and representatives of the National Offices were also present, together with the National Centre’s Council of the Educative and Pastoral Community. On Saturday morning, several editors of the  Note di Pastorale Giovanile and Rassegna CNOS Magazines also participated.

The inspiration for the meeting in this form came from a passage from the National Centre which highlights the need to ‘promote a culture of planning, overcoming fragmentation and a sectoral view in order to develop a unified thinking, rooted in the charism and open to contemporary challenges.’

Guided by a reflection on the guidelines for youth ministry by Fr Rossano Sala, the participants shared a moment of reflection and dialogue in thematic groups, starting from the biblical text of Solomon’s dream: ‘Grant your servant a docile heart, that he may render justice to your people and know how to distinguish good from evil’.

Fr Sala indicated four guidelines for youth ministry today: synodal, popular, vocational and missionary. Starting from this reflection, the participants – divided into thematic groups – were able to discern and share their reflections with the help of a worksheet and then share their reflections in the assembly.

The meeting then continued with the Provincials alone for the CISI Presidency meeting, which concluded on Monday, 12 January.