austraLasia - 5369_From St Dominic Savio to EAO Salesian Youth Movement

ALA_5369

Salesian Youth Movement - Valdocco option since 1856

EAO Region, 6 May 2020 -- Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Dominic Savio, a Saint disciple of his Saint Master, one of the models suggested to the young people already since 1857, when Don Bosco published his Life for the first time. What would happen if Don Bosco didn't publish Dominic's life story? God knows - but what is sure, that this tiny booklet woke up and inspired thousand of Bosconians - Salesian Youth during the past 160 years to follow Jesus in Don Bosco's Way.

Although the SYM (Salesian Youth Movement) was officially launched only in 1988 (after the first movement's organization in Sicily and Latin America since 1970), the roots can be traced to Valdocco, Don Bosco's first Oratory, where the young people were actively involved in many 'sodalities' (youth groups). Also Dominic Savio is a founding member of the 'Immaculate Conception' Group launched at Valdocco in 1856.

After four weeks at Valdocco (GC28) and especially the strong experience of one week's accompaniment of three EAO young adults involved in the SYM in their respective provinces, this year calls my attention the painting of Dominic Savio in St Francis de Sales Church (Valdocco). Indeed our three EAO young people - Andre, John and Taichi - receive their burning oil lamp in the same place where Dominic Savio entrusted himself with his friends to Mary. This symbol of an oil lamp was used in 1988 during the Don Bosco Centenary celebrations when Fr. Viganò handed over the same symbol of light to the SYM, asking them 'to be the light of the world'.

This month of May is a special occasion for all young people entrusted to our care. Although not all EAO province have yet built up their SYM, most are on the way. We hope that with the help of Saint Dominic Savio the Salesians of Don Bosco will grow in trusting, accompaniment and involvement of the young people in our mission. We dream that one day we may build up the SYM in each of our 23 countries of the EAO region. Without the young people we can't go to heaven.

Today is a good opportunity to reflect what the SYM means for me. Happy Feast day of Saint Dominic Savio!

Various 'SYM' (Salesian Youth Movement) Facebook pages in the EAO region: