Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by Rexy Rusel, Don Bosco Dumaguete

The youth of today are faced with many challenges from the world, but despite these, they continue to serve their fellow young people and the Lord. Embracing the theme “Anchored in Hope, Leaders for the Young” and inspired by the life of the newly canonized saint, St. Carlo Acutis, also known as the first millennial saint, this year’s Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) focused on his example and the calling of being a Salesian Youth Leader (SYL). Through this formation, the leaders of today learned that anyone can live with the same devotion and dedication as St. Carlo Acutis, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope, and were taught the attitudes, knowledge, and skills of an SYL.

Last Saturday, October 18, 2025, the event was held at Don Bosco Technical College–Cebu, with 102 participants from across the province of Cebu and one from Dumaguete City taking part in the formation. The day began with several icebreakers where participants danced and enjoyed various animations. This was followed by a Get-to-Know Activity, which helped participants not only meet others but also reflect on themselves. They were asked to choose among the directions—north, south, east, and west—each symbolizing a personal value, helping them identify which one they related to most.

The first speaker of the formation was Kuya Eduardo Emepis Jr., who spoke about the life of St. Carlo Acutis. Like any other teen, he was cheerful, kind, and compassionate, and deeply devoted to the Eucharist. He was born on May 3, 1991, in London, England, to Italian parents Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano. At the age of 15, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, which he accepted and offered for Pope Benedict XVI and the Church. He was also devoted to St. Francis of Assisi and requested to be buried in Assisi. After his death, two miracles attributed to him greatly contributed to his beatification.

Kuya Eduardo concluded his session by sharing his own story and pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis. Afterwards, participants were grouped according to different social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—and created their “Digital Mission Pledge.” They shared their vision, mission, and commitments to the youth, the Eucharist, and the Lord.

The second speaker, Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, discussed the Jubilee Year of Hope. He began with an interactive activity where participants were asked to set “appointments” with each other to meet at eight different times, each corresponding to a question about serving the youth and the Lord. These reflections reminded participants that their role as leaders is not for clout but for service. Fr. Vince connected the questions to his own journey—from childhood to priesthood—emphasizing that leadership is a calling from the Lord and a responsibility to be embraced.

The final speaker was Ate Christine Ramirez, who discussed the Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge (A.S.K.) of Salesian Youth Leaders. Using the acronym S.A.C.R.E.D., she explained the key traits of a true SYL:

• S – Spiritual: One must have a strong connection with God, live by the morals of St. John Bosco, and be a role model to others.
• A – Altruistic: A leader puts others’ needs before their own, serves everyone, and provides a safe space for growth and reassurance.
• C – Compassionate: One must show genuine care, encourage openness, and build trust to inspire hope and resilience in the young.
• R – Resourceful: A leader should be innovative, creative, and capable of creating memorable experiences.
• E – Ethical: One must exercise freedom responsibly and have the moral courage to do what is right, serving as a model of good values.
• D – Devoted: A leader must invest time, energy, and resources with a strong sense of purpose, serving Christ faithfully and living out the mission of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM).

Ate Christine concluded her session with a fun skit activity. Participants were divided into two groups to present short plays showing how an SYL lives out the attitudes, skills, and knowledge discussed. The first group presented three parts: offering a seat to a pregnant woman during Mass, passing down skills to the younger generation, and sharing knowledge about Christ’s teachings. The second group presented several scenes based on S.A.C.R.E.D., each telling a unique story—from holding onto faith in tough times to reconciling and understanding one another despite conflicts.

To end the day, the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Antonio Velarde, SDB, concluding the formation with thanksgiving and reflection. The event fostered new friendships, connections, and a deeper awareness of one’s calling as an SYL. With the grace of St. Carlo Acutis and Christ, the formation ended with renewed spirit and purpose. Each participant left not only inspired but also challenged—to live what they learned, serve with humility, and lead with compassion. The experience reminded everyone that being an SYL is more than a title; it is a calling to be a witness of faith and service in schools and communities. With hearts full of gratitude and hope, the youth carry forward the lessons, friendships, and faith this formation has planted, ready to continue the mission with courage and joy.