Rooted in Communion, Renewed in Mission: Salesian Youth Leaders and Animators Strengthen Their Commitment to the Young
by: SYM correspondence
“Rooted in Communion, Renewed in Mission” was the theme that brought Salesian youth leaders and animators together to strengthen their bonds of faith, deepen their Salesian identity, and renew their commitment to accompanying and serving young people in the spirit of Don Bosco.
The Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) 2026 Davao District was held on October 17–18 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Don Bosco – Mati. The formation brought together Salesian youth leaders and animators from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Don Bosco – Mati, and Mary Help of Christians Parish, Don Bosco – Dacudao, to deepen their understanding of the Salesian mission and strengthen their commitment to serving the young.
The formation began with a prayer, followed by the opening remarks of Fr. Genson V. Banguis, SDB, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for the two-day gathering. The first talk, entitled “Salesian Youth Synod 2024 Re-echo,” was facilitated by Daryl Torreon. Through group reading and sharing, the leaders and animators reflected on the dreams and aspirations of young people. They also participated in the activity “Is This the SYM We Dream Of?” in which they identified the strengths of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), areas for improvement, and concrete actions to make the movement more welcoming and engaging for young people.
As night fell, the participants gathered in prayer through the Holy Rosary, entrusting the formation and the entire Salesian Youth Movement to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The second talk focused on the “Salesian Family Background” and was delivered by Rev. Fr. Vincent Michael Sabal, SDB. Through the interactive activity “My Place in the Salesian Family,” the participants explored the Salesian Family’s mission for young people today. They reflected on their individual roles and responsibilities in accompanying, guiding, and serving the young in the spirit of Don Bosco.
As the first day came to an end, the participants took part in a Taizé prayer service, allowing them to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the day’s experiences. Rev. Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, then delivered the Good Night Talk, offering reflections and encouragement to the leaders and animators as they continued their formation journey.
On the second day, the participants gathered at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Don Bosco – Mati, for the Sunday Holy Mass. Through the celebration of the Eucharist, they renewed their faith and strengthened their unity as members of the Salesian Youth Movement.
The third talk, “Salesian Youth Groups,” was led by Ivan Vincent Villareal, with Part 2 facilitated by Raniel Paca. The sessions focused on strengthening youth groups and understanding their role in fulfilling the mission of the Salesian Youth Movement. Through group sharing, the leaders and animators exchanged insights and experiences on building active, supportive, and faith-centered youth communities. The activity emphasized the value of “Youth Serving Youth,” encouraging participants to become companions and role models who help other young people grow in faith, leadership, and service.
The two-day Leaders and Animators Formation provided an opportunity for the participants to strengthen their faith, deepen their Salesian identity, and renew their commitment to the young. Through talks, group activities, prayer, and fellowship, the formation reminded everyone that being a Salesian youth leader or animator is not simply about holding a position, but about living out Don Bosco’s mission through genuine accompaniment, responsible leadership, and loving service.
As the formation concluded, the participants were challenged to apply the lessons and experiences they had gained in their respective youth communities. With renewed faith and a shared commitment, they were encouraged to continue building a Salesian Youth Movement where every young person feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to become a sign of hope to others.
The closing moments were captured through photographs, including a group photo of the participants, organizers, and facilitators, as well as candid shots of fellowship, shared smiles, and expressions of unity and commitment. These photographs served as meaningful reminders of the formation experience, celebrating the bonds strengthened throughout the gathering and inspiring the participants to continue living out the Salesian spirit in their daily lives.
