Tiruchy, India: The Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT) organized a youth Chapter on 25th November 2018 as part of the preparation for the Provincial Chapter. It is probably the first of its kind in the Salesian world. The day started with writing a letter to Don Bosco by the young people and followed by the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Father Agilan, the Vice Provincial and concelebrated by ten priests. The letters written to Don Bosco were presented during the offertory.
The sessions were organized along the path of listening to the young people on the priority of our mission for the young people, what kind of Salesians they wish the Salesians to be and the ways the young people could share in the Salesian Mission. Their responses, ‘We dream of a Salesian who walks along like Jesus walking with his disciples, We dream of a Salesian who gives preferential option for the young, We dream of a joyful and optimistic Salesian, We dream of a Salesian who is a spiritual guide, We dream of a visionary Salesians,’ were indeed a great source of inspiration and a call for a change.
There were two participants from each presence along with the office bearers of the Salesian Youth Movement. Together there were 75 Youth Chapter participants. Theformer youth directors were present as observers. Father Amos Gandhi was the youth chapter moderator and Father Barnabas, the youth services Director along with his team organized the event.
The youth expressed that it was the first of its kind experience and that they all felt as if they were part of the Provincial Chapter. They were extremely happy to know that their voices will be heard in the Provincial and General Chapters. The day was filled with group discussions and interactions from the young people.
The entire youth chapter was planned already by the youth leaders. The young people were involved in every stage of the preparations for the Youth Chapter as well as the Provincial Chapter. The organizers discussed in all the stages the questionnaire given by the General Chapter Moderator as part of LISTNEING to the young people. In the end, Father A. Raj SDB, the Moderator of the Provincial Chapter addressed and concluded the Youth Chapter, and announced the two names of the youth who will be attending the Provincial Chapter in January 2019.