The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Philippines held its National Assembly Days (NAD) 2023 at Don Bosco Retreat House, Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu, from June 28 to July 2.
The event's theme was "Padayon," a Visayan word meaning to persist or proceed.
The Salesian Youth Movement Philippines is composed of three provinces: Philippines—North (FIN), Philippines—South (FIS), and FMA Philippine Province (FIL), with hearts aflame from NAD 2018 and eager to move forward.
Over sixty participants, represented by animators and student leaders, were present, along with ten Salesian priests and nuns.
Father Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB (Provincial Superior-FIS), Father Rooney Undar, SDB (Delegate for the Commission on Youth Ministry—FIS), Sister Debbie Ponsaran, FMA (Head of the Youth Ministry Sector, FIL), Father Ramil Maranan, SDB (SYM Delegate-FIN), Father Vince Michael Sabal, SDB (SYM Delegate-FIS), and Sister Joralyn Selloria all attended.
NADS 2023 aimed to instill the significance of the Movement amidst the challenges of the new normal (Formation), celebrate the movement's rootedness in Christ and the grace of the Salesian charism (Celebration), gather SYM leaders and animators (Fellowship) and plan the movement's national strategic direction (Service).
The convention was divided into six program schedules: Day 0 (arrival), Day 1 (boarding), Day 2 (flight), Day 3 (arrival), and Days 4 and 5 (fellowship and conclusion).
Day 0 kicked off with the arrival and registration of the participants, followed by the preliminary rounds.
Sister Debbie and Father Vince also presented a lecture on the Salesian order that covered the lives of St. Maria Domenica Mazzarello, St. John Bosco, and the Salesians, as well as Salesian work in the Philippines.
Day 1 commenced with video greetings from the Salesian youth and families of different communities outside the country.
Afterward, Father Juvelan Paul Samia, SDB (Spiritual Moderator, FIN district), reexamined the SYM primer and reviewed its key points. Fr. Fidel gave a series of formations on the profile of a Salesian Youth Leader (SYL), emphasizing the A.S.K. (Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge) that a Salesian Youth Leader is spiritual, altruistic, compassionate, resourceful, ethical, and devoted (S.A.C.R.E.D.). This was done to reaffirm the movement's foundations.
Father Rooney and Ms. Arrianna Diolingo (CYM-FIS Secretariat) shared the demographics of the Salesian Youth with the participants for them to have a clear image of the current SYM members. The day concluded with a barrio festivity that fostered community and brought participants happiness. Special thanks are also extended to Lourdes Parish Youth Rondalla for their performance and the Mama Margaret Group from Pasil for their delectable Tuslob Buwa.
Through the E-PEST reports, the current situation of adolescents was highlighted on Day 2. Jeanne Fronteras, Alodia Wagan, and Fiona Merin (FIL) presented the Church and Salesian situation.
Daryl Torreon and Eduardo Empelis Jr. presented the political and economic situation. Meanwhile, Ms. Lee-an Rosal (FIN) presented the socio-cultural circumstance. Assistant Allan Abello (FIS) then discussed the Technology situation. Following the E-PEST presentation, participants and the panel (Fr. Fidel, Fr. Rooney, Sr. Debbie, Fr. Ramil, and Fr. Juvelan) engaged in a discussion to resolve questions and share insights.
On the third day, the One SYM Coordinating Team summarized the fruitful sharing and learning as they planned activities for the national and local levels and drafted the manifesto. All of these were presented to the participants for feedback by Andre Launio (FIL), Daryl Torreon (FIS), and Ferl Larrosa (FIL). The day concluded with a variety of performances highlighting the talents of youth from the various provinces.
In addition to these activities, there are intersession diversions, rosary prayer, and Eucharistic celebrations led by Salesian priests.
Father Juvelan began the fourth day by presiding over the Eucharistic celebration at Mary Help of Christians School in Minglanilla.
The present SYM representatives to World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, were then blessed and sent off before the conclusion of the Mass. A visit to the Simala Shrine and a fellowship event in Casay, Dalaguete, replete with games and bonding moments for the participants followed.
The culmination of NAD 2023 was the Eucharist presided over by Father Fidel.
He challenged the participants to advance by altering themselves before altering their respective environments. -Ferl Angeline D. Larrosa
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