Posted On: 22 August, 2026
LEADERS & ANIMATORS’ FORMATION (LAF) 2026
Southern Region – INM, INK & INT
Theme: “Beyond Technology: Human Dignity and Youth Leadership in the AI Age”
Venue: Don Bosco Youth Animation Centre, Ennore, Chennai
Dates: 22–23 August 2026
Leaders and Animators’ Formation (LAF) 2026 – Southern Region of INM, INK and INT was held on 22–23 August 2026 at Don Bosco Youth Animation Centre, Ennore, Chennai. The programme brought together around 60 young people and 10 priests, representing different parishes, youth centres and institutions. Both Catholic and non-Catholic youth participated enthusiastically, making the gathering a truly enriching and diverse experience.
Inauguration – 22 August
The programme began on 22 August at 9:45 a.m. with a traditional Tamil Arathi, followed by the lighting of the lamp and a beautiful welcome dance presented by the INM Youth. The gathering was formally inaugurated in the presence of the youth ministry delegates, youth directors and representatives of the three provinces.
Fr. Stalin Dhanaraj, Youth Ministry Delegate, and Fr. Amalraj, SYM Director and the main organiser of the event, welcomed the participants and facilitated the inauguration. Fr. Stalin felicitated the chief guests, including Fr. John Christy, Fr. John (INK), Fr. Casimir (INM) and the youth delegates from the three provinces. He also gave an orientation to the participants and highlighted the importance of leadership and youth ministry in today’s context.
The first session was led by Mrs. Pauline, who addressed the theme “Human Dignity and Youth Leadership in the AI Age.” She offered a thought-provoking keynote address on the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, while reminding the youth of the importance of human dignity, responsibility and leadership.
After lunch, the participants visited the Observation Home in Chennai, guided by Fr. Pitchimuthu. Fr. Don Bosco, Provincial of INM despite his packed schedule, joined the LAF participants for the interaction. His presence was a source of inspiration for the participants. The youth had aN opportunity to meaningfully interact with the boys and girls at the Observation Home, helping them to understand their realities and challenges with greater compassion and sensitivity.
The participants then travelled to Marina Beach, where they had an opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Chennai while spending time with young people from different places and building new friendships.
The day continued with Holy Mass at the Santhome Basilica (Tomb Chapel) a precious spiritual experience for the participants. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Casimir, Youth Director of INT, and concelebrated by Fr. Udayakumar, Fr. John and other priests. The day concluded with a wonderful dinner at St. Bede’s School, where the community generously offered their hospitality. The participants enjoyed the fellowship, singing and joyful interaction during the journey back to Ennore.
Day Two – 23 August
The second day began with Beach Meditation at Ennore Beach. For nearly an hour, the participants reflected on God’s creation, guided by Fr. Casimir and Fr. Amalraj. The peaceful atmosphere of the beach provided a beautiful opportunity for prayer, silence and reflection.
After breakfast, the participants took part in creative and energetic ice-breaking activities, conducted by Fr. John Christy. These activities helped the youth to become more comfortable with one another, strengthen relationships and build a spirit of unity.
The first major session of the day was led by Fr. Christy, who spoke on “SYM Leaders.” He explained the various dimensions of Salesian Youth Ministry, the SYM DNA, the call to leadership and the qualities of an effective leader. The session also encouraged the participants to look at themselves, their strengths and their responsibilities as youth leaders.
The second session was conducted by Fr. Jacob, Director of Nirivagam, who focused on the psychological aspects of leadership and the qualities required to become mature and effective leaders. His input helped the participants understand themselves better and recognise the importance of emotional maturity, self-awareness and healthy relationships in leadership.
The participants then gathered for the concluding Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr. Victor, Vice Provincial of the Tiruchy Province. The Mass was a moment of thanksgiving for the two days of formation, fellowship and shared experiences. A group photograph was also taken with the Vice Provincial, followed by province-wise photographs. The participants then shared a fellowship lunch.
Group Discussion and Way Forward
After lunch, Fr. Stalin Dhanaraj, Youth Ministry Delegate, organised the participants into province-wise groups for an evaluation and discussion of the entire two-day programme. The discussion was highly active and participatory. The participants shared their experiences and appreciated the warm hospitality, meaningful sessions, outings, Holy Mass at Santhome, food, accommodation and the overall planning and organisation of the programme.
The groups reflected on three important questions for their future youth ministry:
1. How can we organise the youth into youth groups?
2. What are the common causes in society that we would like to focus on this year?
3. How would we like our group to be identified?
The discussions produced valuable and creative ideas, giving the participants a clear direction for strengthening youth groups and engaging young people in meaningful social causes.
The concluding ceremony provided an opportunity for the youth directors and participants to express their feelings, appreciation and experiences. The participants expressed their gratitude for the excellent arrangements, hospitality, formation sessions, spiritual experiences and opportunities to meet and interact with young people from different provinces.
Fr. Stalin Dhanaraj thanked all the participants, priests, resource persons, organisers and communities who contributed to the success of LAF 2026. The programme came to a meaningful conclusion at 5:00 p.m. with tea and the singing of the Don Bosco hymn.
