The Inauguration of the Salesian Youth Movement at Don Bosco Tetere

By Fr Robinson Parappilly

Tetere, Solomon Islands, 5 March 2024 -- Don Bosco Tetere witnessed another spectacular event by the Salesian Youth, Bosconians, and Bosco kids from 23-25 February 2024. More than 250 young people from the neighborhood of Don Bosco Tetere and the Salesian Parish gathered for the inauguration of the Salesian Youth Movement for the year.

On Friday evening, 23 February, the participants joined the Way of the Cross. The Don Bosco playground then became a place for the youth and kids to practice the Don Bosco’s saying: "Run, jump, sing and dance but do not sin." Br Paul Paiara planned and organized the campfire for the youth and children. Six sodalities dressed up in their traditional attire were present for the opening ceremony. Each sodality leader, carrying their lighted bamboo torches, read out messages of peace, joy, and prosperity to their friends and the people gathered for the inaugural ceremony. Fr Robinson Parappilly, the Rector of Don Bosco Tetere, officially inaugurated the Oratory by lighting up the huge campfire. All the youth cheered for Don Bosco, beating their drums and pipes. The captain of the SYM led the youth in a pledge-taking ceremony. They promised to abide by the Bosconian youth spirituality and to live as children of God and of Don Bosco. After the pledge-taking ceremony, there was a spectacular display of their talents through amazing war cries and fire dances, cheered on by parents and a large audience. The day concluded with a thanksgiving prayer and a goodnight talk.

The second day, Saturday the 24th, began with Holy Mass and was dedicated to the formation of the youth. Fr Robinson presented the Strenna of the Rector Major and showed a beautiful video presentation of it, leading the audience to reflect on the realities of their present lives. They revisited Don Bosco's dream at nine, the account of the dream, and the implications of the Strenna in their daily lives. The presentation encouraged participants to open their hearts to the word of God and the wolves they need to fight daily in their communities and surroundings. Two questions were posed for discussion: What are the modern wolves that destroy the church and society? And what are the tools we need to embrace to destroy these wolves and build up our dreams? In their group discussions, the young people identified wolves such as peer pressure, gambling, alcoholism, drug addiction, excessive screen time, pornography, indifference, and addiction to mobile games, all of which hinder the realization of their dreams. They were urged to embrace Don Bosco's loving kindness, not with blows but with love. The words of Mother Mary to Johnny Bosco, "Look, learn, and be patient," also touched their hearts.

Fr. Robinson encouraged the youth to dream like Don Bosco, Martin Luther King, and Pope Francis, emphasizing that God has a dream for each one of them. Choosing, deciding, and making appropriate decisions in every moment of their lives will help them to build up their dreams. "We can transform our lives only by understanding the ugliness of sin and embracing Gospel values and sacramental living," added Fr Robinson. In the afternoon, the young people enjoyed games, and in the evening, there was a well-organized Rosary service and the blessing of Mary Help of Christians. They watched a movie about Don Bosco and then retired to bed.

On Sunday, the youth participated in a lively Eucharistic celebration. In the afternoon, there were enjoyable games and competitions for the vibrant young people.

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