Slovenia e Croatia. On 13, 20, and 27 November 2024, the young people of Slovenia and Croatia who, representing Mary Help of Christians Province (SLC), participated in the Salesiano Youth Synod (SYS) from 11 to 16 August in Turin, Valdocco, and at Colle Don Bosco, presented their contents to the entire Province through three online meetings.
The two young Croatian women – Marta and Lucija – and the three Slovenians – Ema, Anita, and Žiga – in addition to the synodal methodology of sharing, listening, and commitment, they also expressed their enthusiasm for the event.
In the early evening, in the presence of all the Communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the novices of the Province, the Salesian Cooperators, and all the employees in Slovenia, the participants presented their involvement in the Salesian Youth Movement in daily life. All have an active participation in the Salesian environments, from the Oratory to the University College, to the place of work with the FMA. They then continued to tell their dreams, as proposed in the final document of the Synod.
In the same way, on the second evening they transmitted their dreams for society and the Church and for the Salesian Youth Movement. They expressed the desire that the FMA show God to young people with more courage and confidence.
In the last meeting, the young people encouraged the listeners to read the final document, comparing it with the Provincial Plan, and to respond to the question, “What can we do concretely in our own realities to help young people realize their dreams?”
Participants in the online meeting also had the opportunity to ask questions of the protagonists. In particular, the young listeners expressed their gratitude for this opportunity to meet together, to listen and share opinions on the subject, that is, how to make the deepest dreams of the young people and FMA come true.
Other questions were asked, such as: “What steps do the FMA need to take to show more confidence in the skills of young people? What can young people do to strengthen the identity of Salesian Youth in both Countries?”
The cycle of meetings ended with a prayer to Mary and the desire expressed by the Provincial, Sister Mateja Kranjc, to transform the desires and experiences recounted in processes of growth for all.
“We dream of a Salesian Youth Movement in which the true protagonists are the young people, who – even though accompanied – assume their responsibilities and make decisions through a global and stable structure that allows the emergence of the best individualities. Exercising leadership as animators of the Movement, with no ulterior motives other than that of service to others, they have the Good Shepherd as their model. In this service, young leaders together with the SDB and FMA focus on long processes and formation, not just events” (From the Final Document).
