Johannesburg (South Africa). From 29 August to 1 September 2024, at the Bosco Youth Center in Walkerville, Johannesburg, of the Salesians of Don Bosco of Blessed Michael Rua Preprovince (AFM), the Youth Synod was held with about 300 participants from Eswatini, Lesotho, Cape Town, and Johannesburg, accompanied by several members of the Salesian Family Groups: SDB, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of Peace Province (AFM), Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils of Don Bosco, ADMA Aspirants, by the educators, and the Project Staff.
After welcoming all the participants – located in various areas – and the introduction of the encounter, there followed the opening Holy Mass, presided by Fr. Odise Lazri, SDB, and concelebrated by other Salesians.
On 30 September, after the Eucharistic Celebration, there were several presentations led by the Youth Ministry team: Synod and Ubuntu; Dialogue builders; Recovering my value. In the afternoon and morning of the following day, the young were divided into six groups according to their colors. They took part in several sessions on Ubuntu – the African rule of life based on compassion, respect for others, and mutual help – oriented to the “Eco Ubuntu” project. At the same time, there was a sharing on vocations, especially on Salesian vocations.
Sister Maria Nguyen, member of the Provincial Youth Ministry Team, presented the vocation of the Salesian Sisters and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Sister Hope Chababa, who accompanied the young people of Ennerdale and Sister Annie Tembo were also present.
In the afternoon of the second day, Sister Maria Nguyen animated the formative moment: “Symbol of unity in diversity (Salesian youth movement – synodal nature)”, addressed to all young people, especially those who participated for the first time in an event of the Salesian Youth Movement. Subsequently, the Mental Health Committee of the Parish of Ennerdale – All Saints, introduced the theme, “Mental health is mental wealth”.
The two evenings were characterized by the theme, “Youth and Digital World” and feedback on the Salesian Youth Synod held at Colle Don Bosco (Turin – Italy), from 11 to 16 August 2024, by Julia Mafereka of Lesotho, who participated. Between one formation and another, the young people enjoyed exhibiting their talents through songs, dances, and even composing poems.
The highlight of the experience was a hike in the hills, in the dark, and on a stony path, accompanied by a beautiful reflection on the “Glory of the dark”. A part of the hill was easily overcome: walking together, holding hands, and talking to each other, but as they approached the stony road, they continued on their own. Soon after, the better road appeared again before reaching the top of the hill, where a huge Cross of Glory was waiting for the young people. Some of them shared their reflections: “This is the path of our life. Sometimes we are in trouble, in the dark. We walk alone, but if we entrust ourselves to God with perseverance, focusing on the journey, we will reach our goal. Jesus is there. He never leaves us alone.”
The Youth Synod of South Africa ended on Sunday, 1 September, with a Mass of thanksgiving presided by Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, Superior of the AFM Preprovince, with the hope that young people may live their commitment to creation and synodality with joy. In Ubuntu: “I am because you are”.
