In our province, there are remarkable institutions focused on empowering countless young people through sophisticated educational structures and innovative ministries. Youth centers and oratories stand out as vital venues, especially for the 18+ age group, providing an excellent platform for multireligious and pluricultural missions. Drawing inspiration from Don Bosco's experience with the Oratory of Valdocco, there is a call to revive and prioritize this initiative. Don Bosco utilized the oratory as a flexible tool, evolving it into various dimensions, emphasizing the crucial role of laypeople in its development. The challenge ahead is to systematically plan resources, personnel, and structures for oratories to thrive. Despite founding various educational institutions, Don Bosco recognized the oratory as the place where he understood and connected with the young, making it an essential phase for every Salesian. The goal is for the oratory to be a transformative cocoon for Salesians, enabling them to effectively contribute to the well-being and salvation of young people.
1. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Broadway, Chennai |
2. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Basin Bridge, Chennai |
3. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Vyasarpadi, Chennai |
4. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Kilpauk, Chennai |
5. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Gandhi Nagar, Katpadi |
1. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Ennore, Chennai |
2. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | St. Joseph’s, Katpadi |
3. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Perambur, Chennai |
4. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Pavunjur |
5. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Cuddalore |
6. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Thalavadi |
7. | Don Bosco Youth Centre | Lalpahar, South Andaman |
The Salesian Youth Ministry in the Chennai Province is characterized by its focus on building a family environment, group experiences, and active participation in social and ecclesial movements. The objectives include fostering a sense of community among young adults, promoting education with a heart, and integrating into various movements. A province-level animation program engaged a diverse audience within the province, emphasizing Salesian-style youth ministry. Lay Dimension Coordinators were trained to guide students in youth ministry, impacting about 300 collaborators. Leadership workshops for college students aimed at enhancing collaboration and lay initiatives. The Green Army initiative focused on environmental awareness, training representatives from schools and colleges. Formation sessions for Youth Service Coordinators aligned with the Salesian Youth Ministry (SYM) Frame of Reference. Additionally, summer and winter camps provided deprived children with opportunities to develop artistic and leadership skills, emphasizing social inclusion. The regular animation of groups and movements remains integral to the Salesian Educative system, enhancing the province's tradition of vibrant youth engagement.
Youth groups and associations which, while maintaining their organizational autonomy, share the same Salesian spirituality and pedagogical principles, form explicitly or implicitly the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM).” (GC23, no.275)
“In the SYM all the groups live the values of Salesian Youth Spirituality (SYS) at different levels.“The SYM is an open reality, in the form of concentric circles, which unites many young people.” (GC23, no.276)
“The group is the setting where educative and religious proposals become personalized; it is the place for expression and responsibility; it is the place for interpersonal communication and the planning of initiatives. Frequently it is the only structural element that offers the young the occasion for access to human values and education to the faith.” (GC 23, no.274.)
The Don Bosco Scouts & Guides District Association, operating across the Chennai and Trichy Provinces, has been an integral part of Salesian institutions, fostering the development of youth into responsible citizens. Over the past three years, the association has conducted various impactful programs, contributing to the growth of both adult leaders and young students. Notably, it achieved recognition at the State level, winning first place in competitions and receiving the meritorious shield for the 'Best District for Training Adult Leaders.'
The Silver Jubilee celebrations featured a grand inauguration and concluded with a significant event at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Hr. Sec. School, Santhome, Chennai. The association emphasizes the involvement of lay collaborators and the active participation of Rovers and Rangers. Looking ahead, it aspires to extend its influence to higher education levels and seeks to be recognized as the 'Don Bosco Scouts and Guides State Association' for all Salesian students, continuing the legacy of Don Bosco's holistic approach to youth development.