In a recent heartfelt goodnight talk, Fr. Rafael Bejarano, the General Councilor for Youth Ministry of the Salesian Congregation, shared the inspiring four-point agenda laid out by the Rector Major for the next six years. This visionary roadmap promises to renew and deepen the Salesian mission, especially its engagement with youth in a rapidly changing world.
Contextualizing Salesian
Ministry
The first point highlights the
essential need to root Salesian ministry and works firmly within the specific
context of each country and local situation. It
is to be located in ‘here and now’ in
the place where Salesians are, adapt to their situations and renewed. In the
Indian multi-religious and multi-cultural context Salesians need to go beyond religious
affiliations in their ministry, for all children of God. This means recognizing
the unique cultural, social, and economic realities of the places where
Salesians serve, adapting ministry methods accordingly, and renewing approaches
to remain relevant. Central to this is overcoming barriers of caste, creed, and
color to foster inclusivity. Salesian work is for all children of God,
embracing diversity with open arms.
Updating the Preventive System
Don Bosco’s Preventive System
remains a pillar of Salesian pedagogy, but the agenda calls for its ongoing
renewal. Crucially, it must be adapted to current contexts—whether regional or
local—and extended beyond the confines of the Salesian community itself. This
approach keeps the system alive and practical, connecting authentically with
today’s youth in their realities.
Navigating the Age of
Artificial Intelligence
One of the most forward-looking
aspects of the agenda is the call to engage the digital era, especially
Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a tool for moral and ethical growth. With AI
becoming an integral part of young people’s lives, Salesian ministry aims to
bring Christ and core values into this digital landscape. The agenda urges
harnessing AI positively for mission work, ensuring that technology supports
youth in developing holistically—spiritually, intellectually, and ethically.
Deepening the Christ-Centered
Journey
Fr. Rafael emphasized the
importance of a deep engagement with Christ-inspired holiness. Using the
example of young Mary, he described how her journey of faith—from uncertain
acceptance after the angel’s message to a mature, mission-oriented response
with total “YES”—mirrors the path young people must take. This spiritual
maturity unfolds over time, through experience while coming in contact with
adults like that of Cousin Elizabeth, and action of service, leading to a life
testimony such as Mary’s Magnificat. Salesian ministry is invited to accompany
youth deeply towards such transformative holiness.
Ordinary Disciples and the
Richness of Indian Culture
In his homily, Fr. Rafael drew
attention to Jesus’ choice of simple, ordinary disciples like Jude and Simon,
reinforcing that the call of Christ is for every person, especially ordinary
youth. He reflected on India’s rich cultural mosaic, where multiple expressions
of faith, diverse habits, and lifestyles converge. Here, the Salesian mandate
extends to embracing this diversity through a "Kairos" model of
ministry—one that values the opportune moment and cultural richness—rather than
a "chronological" or rigid approach.
The Core of Youth Ministry:
Presence and Love
Fr. Rafael's reflections recalled
Don Bosco’s practice of welcoming youth, and as Fr. Attard SDB, the Rector
Major recently has said that this is exemplified
when he met Garelli—not with grand speeches, but through attentive listening
and simple questions. Today’s Salesians are challenged to put young people at
the center of ministry, listening to them genuinely and letting them feel loved
and cared for. This living presence—rooted in love for Jesus and Salesian
identity—is the foundation of effective youth ministry in our times.
This four-point agenda from the Rector Major, beautifully outlined by Fr. Rafael, calls all Salesians to engage ministry with renewed creativity, inclusivity, and spiritual depth—embracing both tradition and innovation to accompany young people authentically into their future.
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