(ANS – Fatima) –  Last weekend 25-27 November at Fatima there was the VII General Assembly of the European Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). There were two main items on the programme: one of formation for the Group and the other the review of the World Youth Day in Madrid.

 Almost all the countries of Europe were represented by Delegates: Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Cooperators and young people. Following the Strenna for 2011, the formation theme was vocation in all its aspects: God’s “call” to take responsibility for one’s own life, self-discovery, recalling one’s own personal vocation choices, the difficulty of choosing... With a positive approach, and not denying the work each one has to undertake personally in following one’s vocation, the emphasis was especially on the beauty of following the plan God has for each one.

Then the Spanish SYM gave their review of the WYD in Madrid. Everyone agreed in emphasising the excellent logistical organisation provided by the SYM for the benefit of everyone. The welcome and friendly climate were never missing, and even though there may have been some problems with some of the major events planned by the  central organising committee, the whole experience was very positive. The World SYM gathering at Atocha on 17 August, with its colours, celebrations, music, adoration and prayer was a special example of this  as it confirmed the identity of the Movement and showed its vitality.

There were also some informal moment for sharing among those taking part: a visit to the Sanctuary of Fatima, led by a very-well prepared Portuguese SYM Leader; a tour of the city of Lisbon; sharing traditional meals together; Mass with the Salesians from the Province and an evening organised by the Portuguese SYM Leaders who were holding  National Forum.

As the VII Assembly concluded those who had taken  part were aware that they belonged to a Movement that was cheerful, beautiful and lively, working for the salvation of the souls of the young, in communion with God and following Don Bosco, and where each one could make a contribution according to their vocation.

Published 30/11/2011