The meeting opened with the arrival and welcome of the Delegates on 31 October, followed by an inaugural programme and community evening. Fr John Christy, Youth Ministry Delegate for the Province of Chennai, India (INM), led the opening prayer, while Fr Joseph Pauria, Superior of the Province of Calcutta, India (INC), gave a warm welcome to the General Councillor and the visiting delegation from Rome. He also expressed his joy at being able to host the event in his Province during the celebrations of the Centenary of Salesian presence in Calcutta.
In his opening address Fr Bejarano urged the Delegates, as sector leaders, to promote unity and cooperation and stressed the importance of developing shared indicators to create new opportunities for the most marginalised young people. Highlighting the need for collaboration at all levels of the Salesian network, he outlined the Sector’s objectives for the next six years, emphasising, among other points, the importance of data communication and constant engagement with young people. ‘We must create spaces for young people to approach us,’ said the General Councillor, encouraging Salesians to welcome them ‘with love and gratitude’.
The sessions began on 1 November with a Lectio Divina led by Fr Francisco Cervantes, a member of the Sector, followed by the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Bejarano. The day also included discussions on the roles of Youth Ministry Delegates. The following days saw presentations on the pastoral priorities of GC29, socio-political commitment in Youth Ministry and mental health awareness. Fr Joebeth Vivo, also a member of the Sector, then spoke about the ‘Path to follow for the Salesian Youth Synod’, while Ms Antonella Sinagoga, also from the YM Sector, led a session on the promotion of positive mental health.
Also on 1 November, Fr Bejarano took part in the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Don Bosco Tech. To honour two decades of transformative skills development in India, Don Bosco Tech presented its new website, which was officially launched by the General Councillor. Designed as an interactive and dynamic platform, the new site connects young people, partners and employers, offering real-time updates on training programmes and success stories. All data and updates are integrated through its internal system, BOONFACE (Bosco Online Facilitation Centre), which guarantees authenticity and transparency. Future updates will focus on digitising the curriculum and increasing accessibility for students and partners nationwide.
In his keynote speech, Fr Bejarano praised Don Bosco Tech for transforming vocational training into a mission of dignity and youth empowerment. ‘When young people learn new skills, they not only secure a job, but also gain the confidence to defend human rights and dignity. Young people are the most valuable segment of society and must be trained with skills: a vision that St John Bosco himself supported,’ he said.
Finally, the last day of the meeting featured sessions on pastoral research and methodology, led by Fr Michal Vojtas from the Pontifical Salesian University, and cultural visits to Oodlabari and Patibari, where participants interacted with young people and parish communities.
