Anchored in Hope: Forming Young Servant Leaders in the Spirit of Don Bosco
by: Lycell Ann B. Batobato
The Jubilee Year of 2025 is a time of renewal and hope for the Church, and for us young people, it feels like an invitation to grow deeper in faith while preparing to serve others. In this spirit, the Salesian Leaders and Animators Formation was held on November 22–23, 2025, at Our Lady of Fatima Chapel – Dacudao. Youth leaders from Don Bosco Dacudao and Don Bosco Mati came together under the theme “Anchored in Hope, Leaders for the Young.” It was a weekend that inspired us to rediscover our Salesian identity and reminded us that leadership is about service, not authority.
The formation began with the Holy Rosary, entrusting everything to Mary, our Mother. Praying together gave us a sense of unity and reminded us that every Salesian journey begins with God.
The first talk, given by Eduardo M. Empelis Jr., introduced us to St. Carlo Acutis as a role model for holiness and digital mission. His love for the Eucharist and his creative use of technology showed us that even the online world can be a place of evangelization. Afterward, we made our own Digital Mission Pledge, promising to use social media for kindness, truth, and spreading God’s love.
The highlight of the evening was the second session, led by Rev. Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, who spoke about the Jubilee Year as a time when the Church calls us to be Pilgrims of Hope. This talk struck a deep chord with many of us. It reminded us that the Jubilee is not just a celebration—it is a journey of mercy, forgiveness, and renewal. Fr. Vince invited us to see ourselves as pilgrims walking together, carrying both our struggles and our dreams, and trusting that God’s grace will restore and strengthen us. The message felt especially relevant for young leaders because it challenged us to live with hope even in uncertain times—and to bring that hope to the people we serve.
After the talk, the Taizé prayer gave us space to reflect on what it means to be pilgrims. The candlelight, silence, and songs created a peaceful atmosphere where we could surrender our burdens and let God renew our hearts. Many of us left that prayer with a stronger sense of purpose, ready to walk forward with hope.
The next day, we celebrated the Feast of Christ the King with the Holy Mass. It reminded us that true leadership is modeled after Christ, who leads by serving. The final talk, delivered by Jeffrey B. Mondejar Jr., brought us back to Don Bosco’s way of forming leaders—with kindness, presence, mentorship, and joy. We ended with a group activity where we showcased our Salesian attitudes, skills, and knowledge. It was fun, creative, and full of teamwork, reflecting the youthful spirit Don Bosco cherished.
The formation closed with a joyful photo session, but more than the pictures, what we carried home was a renewed fire in our hearts. As the Jubilee Year calls us to walk as Pilgrims of Hope, we left stronger, more committed, and ready to serve. With St. Carlo Acutis guiding us in the digital mission, Mary walking beside us, and Don Bosco cheering us on from heaven, we are anchored in hope. We continue the journey of forming, leading, and loving the young—joyfully and faithfully, the Don Bosco way.
