The Close Accompaniment of the Superiors
The series of events left a special mark through the accompaniment of:
– Fr Joebeth Vivo, SDB: Member of the Youth Ministry Sector, World Delegate for SYM. He brought a message from the heart of the Congregation, helping to connect global spirituality with the local context of practice.
– Fr Barnabas Le An Phong, SDB: Provincial of the Vietnam Province. His presence was a solid spiritual support, testifying to the top priority that the Province always gives to the youth.
– Fr Peter Nguyen Viet Quang Minh, SDB: Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry. He, along with more than 640 delegates including Salesians, young people, and Salesian Cooperators, enthusiastically participated in the formation process.
A Flexible Learning Journey
The program was organized at various locations, creating the most favorable conditions for all participants:
– April 22 (Da Lat): At the Don Rua Institute, the program gathered more than 178 members from the Lam Dong region.
– April 24 (Ho Chi Minh City): At the Provincial House and Ben Cat Centre the event attracted more than 360 delegates from Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, an,d the West.
– April 25 (Xuan Hiep): At the Don Bosco Theologate, an intensive study session was organized exclusively for 130 Fathers, Brothers, and core personnel.
SYM – The Spiritual Energy Source of the Youth
Through the guidance of Fr Joebeth Vivo, participants recognized that SYM is not just an organisation, but truly a “spiritual energy source” deeply rooted in Gospel values and the Salesian Charism. SYM acts as a common home that shelters and connects various groups, helping young people comprehensively develop to become “good Christians and upright citizens.”
To help young people live “more joyfully” in their daily activities, the program emphasized the 5 Pillars of Spirituality:
– Living extraordinarily in ordinary things.
– Joy and Optimism.
– Intimate friendship with Jesus.
– Loving the Church.
– Responsible service.
True to the spirit of Don Bosco, the working sessions were always full of interaction. Using open-ended questions, Fr Joebeth Vivo encouraged everyone to discover their personal “bag of talents,” thereby turning distinct gifts into common fruits for all through group discussions.
The Spirit of the 29th General Chapter: The Synodality of Lay People
A special highlight of this formation occasion was the participation of laypeople walking alongside the Salesians. Carrying a simple desire to understand, love, and serve the youth like Salesian educators, they are living proof of the spirit of the 29th General Chapter: Sharing the mission and spreading the spirituality to the laity.
Looking Toward the Future
The SYM 2026 study journey has concluded but simultaneously opens a new chapter for youth ministry in Vietnam. This was not just a course, but a “renewal of the soul,” urging each member to commit themselves even more strongly to the salvation of young souls with the complete love and zeal of a pastor.
Salesian Social Communication Commission of Don Bosco Vietnam
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