By Raniel Paca

Lawaan, Talisay City (Cebu) Philippines, 8 January 2024 -- From December 29 to 30, 2023, the Salesian Youth Movement—FIS Core Group gathered at Don Bosco Retreat House, Lawaan III, Talisay City, for their annual recollection, planning, and year-end fellowship. This activity aimed to allow the group to take a step back, enjoy themselves, and reflect on the events they organized in 2023 while looking forward to more activities for the Salesian Youth of the Province in 2024.

The SYM-FIS Core Group started their Christmas Recollection at 2:00 PM, facilitated by Fr. Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, who reminded the group that the Lord’s greatest present for the present is God’s presence. It was followed by a Holy Mass, also celebrated by Fr. Vince, the SYM Delegate of the Philippines South Province.

After the Holy Mass, the group took a short break to prepare for the gift exchange during the year-end fellowship. After buying their special gifts, they returned to the retreat house and began evaluating the SYM 2023 activities and planning for 2024.

After planning the activities for the following year, the Core Group had dinner at the retreat house. They then went to Naga Boardwalk, where they celebrated their year-end fellowship and exchanged gifts. Everybody enjoyed the camaraderie while being amazed at the beautiful Christmas decorations of the Christmas Capital of the South.

The following day, the group started with breakfast at the dining hall and then proceeded to discuss plans for upcoming activities in 2024.

The activity was truly a great opportunity for the group to bond and get to know each other more as one team and one family serving the youth from different parts of the Philippine South Province. Youth-serving youth! Viva, Don Bosco!

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