The National Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Forum took place at Don Bosco Embu, Kenya, from December 16th to 20th, 2024. It brought together 570 young people from 12 Salesian Houses and 7 FMA centres across Kenya. The event, that had the central theme of “The Dream that makes you dream: Transforming wolves into the lambs,” was full of energy, excitement, and a strong sense of purpose, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The events of a typical day began with praise and worship, this was followed by a solid input on a theme related to the Strenna of 2024. The inputs on the three days were offered by different people: Fr Sahaya Selvam on the first day on the three dreams of Don Bosco relating them to wolves, lambs and shepherds. The second day, there was an input by Dr Wahome Ngare, a medical doctor, on the Sacredness of Human Sexuality. The third day’s reflection was offered by Fr Victor Maina, the youth chaplain of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
The events of a typical day began with praise and worship, this was followed by a solid input on a theme related to the Strenna of 2024. The inputs on the three days were offered by different people: Fr Sahaya Selvam on the first day on the three dreams of Don Bosco relating them to wolves, lambs and shepherds. The second day, there was an input by Dr Wahome Ngare, a medical doctor, on the Sacredness of Human Sexuality. The third day’s reflection was offered by Fr Victor Maina, the youth chaplain of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
To know that you are young is sufficient reason for me to care for your welfare. I care for you, because you have in your hearts the treasure of virtue.
Don Bosco
A well-animated Eucharistic Celebration took place in the 2nd half of the morning, ending around lunch time. The main celebrants were renowned personalities who motivated the young people: Fr George Tharanyil, the provincial superior of Kenya and Sudan (AFE), His Excellency Rt Rev. Hubertus van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, and Rt Rev. Peter Kimani, the Bishop of the Diocese of Embu. They basically preached on the themes of the novena to Christmas.
Afternoon sessions had a variety of symposium-style of input with panels. On the first day, different members of the Salesian Family share their vocation story inviting the youth to reflect after their own calling. The highlight of the session was the sharing on marriage by a couple, who are Salesian cooperators. On the second day afternoon, there was an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. And on the last day, there was panel that answered an open forum of questions and answers. Evenings of the day, Christmas novena was held, followed by cultural celebrations.
The SYM Congress 2024 was a life-changing event. It combined faith, learning, and celebration, allowing the youth to grow spiritually and form meaningful connections and aiming to actualize their dreams. The participants left inspired to live out the Salesian spirituality by pursuing their dreams and making a positive impact in their communities.
