The Juarun Oratory, a Zagreb neighborhood, hosted last weekend the XVIII General Assembly of the Salesian Youth Movement (MJS) of Europe and the Middle East, which was attended by some 70 people from 15 countries. All of them, united by the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, aimed at increasing the number of young people on the continent. Present were the General Councilor for Youth Ministry, Father Miguel Ángel García Morcuende and the General Councilor for Youth Ministry of the FMA, Sister Runita Borja. The SYM of Europe and the Middle East covers the entire continent and creates joint relationships between Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and young people from many countries.
The place chosen for this important event was emblematic. In fact, in Juarun, the Salesians have built a church in memory of the 15,840 Croats who died during the Croatian war of independence.
Living this experience in such a place reminded all the participants of the importance of peace; a subject, the latter, which has acquired vital importance in Europe after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The Jarun church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is indeed a monument of peace, as are the Croats who hosted the Assembly in Zagreb and who were happy to have an international event in their local reality.
During the assembly it was possible to reflect on the state of SYM Europe, on its organization and on the next steps to take together in the coming years. Many ideas and themes came to the attention of the Assembly and a process has begun that will lead the Salesian Youth Movement to grow in faith, visibility and mutual support among the participating countries.
There was also time to share some good practices that each national SYM has experienced in their own country and to give the opportunity to get to know each other better, which is not automatic, especially after the pandemic.
Prayers, short games and informal coffees were some of the moments in which it was possible to live the Salesian spirituality of joy and family. As many of the participants said: “in each Don Bosco house we feel at home”. The Zagreb Assembly was no exception to this rule and thanks to the youth of the Croatian Youth Movement, there was also the possibility of a short visit to the city center, strolling through the pleasant Christmas markets.
Finally, the Assembly elected the new “Small Team” for SYM Europe, which is now made up of 7 young people: Sean from Ireland, Iva from Croatia, Katarzyna from Poland, Paula from Spain and Giuseppe from Italy. To complete the new composition, Marta and Pablo, who are ending their terms, have accepted the invitation to continue their committed service for another year, in order to ensure an easier transition and the continuation of the path of SYM Europe. With them are Sister Lolia and Father Joebeth, who respectively represent the FMA and the Salesians in the “Little Team”.
This 18th SYM General Assembly, in Zagreb, represented a time of challenges and changes, in which the participants had to discuss many issues and how to approach them. But it was also a moment of great joy and familiarity, in which people from different countries were able to meet in the name of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, keeping their joyful spirituality alive.
General Assembly of the Salesian Youth Movement of Europe and the Middle East – Salesianos España