For a few years now, I’m not sure how many, Salesians from all over the UK have come up to Manchester to celebrate the feast of Don Bosco. And this year was no different. A mix of Salesians ranging from the far and wide of the British Isles, invaded the ever prepared, Hidden Gem in Manchester. Less people were able to make it to the celebrations but the Salesian Spirit was still alive and strong with all that came, despite the cold temperatures. Read More
The title may suggest that we arrived at this DBYN seminar in Vienna just to be told to leave, but thankfully not! After 14 or so hours of travelling, I arrived to the Studentenheim Don Bosco to a warm welcome from the Salesian community and the volunteers who had already arrived. The volunteers were getting to know each other with various games involving standing on chairs….it could only be a DBYN seminar!
LEAVE actually stands for ‘lifelong engagement after volunteer experience’. An amazing seminar aimed at young people who have done some voluntary service abroad for 3 months or more. Read More
The purpose of these study days is to set us off on the road to 2015 and the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth. The Salesian focus across the world for this year is the historical roots of our spirituality in Don Bosco. We will be following this theme in different ways but in the study days we wanted to focus on Don Bosco’s relationship with the city:
As a young man he was involved in the growth of the city of Turin and the development of ways to prevent harm to young people in the chaos of the city. Read More
This weekend the Salesian Youth Ministry Team got together to evaluate and celebrate the development of the youth ministry over the last 8 ½ years under Bob Gardner’s leadership. Alongside many of those who have worked as part of the Youth Ministry Team over the last 8 ½ years, representatives of DBYN, Brussels and the Irish Province, both of whom he was worked with closely were also present; something which meant a lot to Bob.
Although the weekend was facilitated by Martin Coyle and Sue McDonald, Bob still had plenty to say! He gave an light review of all that he had brought to life in the youth ministry and his highlights and struggles. The afternoon took on a more productive tone as groups met to evaluate and plan for the future with the guidance of the provinces 5 year plan for youth ministry.
WYD in sunny Spain was the second world youth day I had attended. I went with the Salesian’s from the UK, and we had a fantastic group, varying in age, interests and experiences. Even the preparation weekends were an experience in themselves, getting to know new friends and listening to everyone’s experiences of the Salesians, WYD and life in general.
Upon arrival in Spain we travelled to the gorgeous city of Salamanca, and stayed in a Salesian school. It was hot, hot, hot, and the atmosphere in the school was already electric. The Canadians had arrived before us and drew us into their party like atmosphere. Looking around Salamanca, highlighted what a gorgeous, historic and welcoming city it was. The pilgrims of WYD brought a little more magic to an already amazing place. Read More
The journey to Cheltenham began on a Friday afternoon with a long wait in traffic, not the most ideal situation when desperate for the loo but despite this there was much joy and laughter I think this was driven by the feelings of excitement about going to Greenbelt for the first time. I had no idea what to expect and what sort of stuff would be happening, all I knew was that I was going to be part of the Salesian group, that in itself was something I was looking forward to. Read More
The National Youth Ministry Symbol blessed by Pope Benedict the Sixteenth on his trip to the UK has been touring the country ever since. As a member of CYMFed (the Catholic youth ministry federation) the Salesians of Don Bosco will take its turn in celebrating with the symbol between the 23rd and the 30th of October.
23rd Oct 10.30am the Nation Youth Symbol will be at Chertsey St. Anne’s parish for at the Mass with coffee and chance to meet those involved in youth ministry afterwards.
24-26th Oct the National Youth Symbol will be at Horthorpe Hall with the Parish Priests for their meeting.
30th Oct the National Youth Symbol will be in Bootle, St. James’ Parish for the 10.30 Mass and the opportunity to find out more about Salesian youth ministries in UK with coffee afterwards.
From the 8th – 16th August 2011 MEET ME gave young people from 8 different European countries a chance to exchange traditions and build friendships through various fun activities, all under the beautiful Maltese sun.
Looking back over the past week and trying to remember everything that was crammed in all I can think is ‘what a week’. We did so much and every moment was one to remember, all the activities were well planned and delivered so all that was left for us to do was get to know each other, and that we did, we have made many friendships that should last for years to come. Here are just some of the highlights of our week. Read More
