SYM 2009
A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
SYM 2009
Our Rector Major Fr. Paschal Chavez in the year 2009 Strenna, stressed the importance of strengthening the Salesian Youth Movement and this is because young people form a great part of this vast movement of persons for the evangelization of the young.
This was in the minds of many when on 14th December over 200 young people from different Salesian missions in Kenya gathered at Don Bosco Boys’ Town Karen for the Salesian Youth Movement Forum. The Theme of this event was BE A HERO which was simplified into four Sub-Themes that helped all to reflect on how they can be Heroes and Heroines in imitation of Christ the ultimate Hero.
On arrival, the young people were well animated by the FMA Novices and SDB Pre-Novices. They received a warm welcome from Sr. Eleanor who saw that everything was in order and this made them feel the Family Spirit immediately. The young people were divided into eight color groups and within these groups they received further animation. Later there were discussions on various topics as directed by the facilitators.The Theme song for the event was, “SEARCH FOR THE HERO” and it was introduced by Fr. Njoroge and he gave the goodnight
The whole experience was enriching. Since March 2009 young people were being prepared for this forum. The facilitators were well equipped and prepared such that there was no room for boredom. The programs of everyday ran smoothly from prayer and meditation, meals, inputs and recreation. The Eucharistic celebration formed the climax of everyday. Towards the end of the forum, the young people were delighted to hear personal testimonies and vocation stories from the Salesians of Don Bosco who were celebrating 150 years of their beginning. This was a touching experience for the young people that it gave them the chance to think of their own vocation. The young people had also a chance of joining the Salesians of Don Bosco for their celebration which took place at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Upper Hill.
The last day came so unexpectedly that the young people were asking for more days though this was not possible. However, they all received a commissioning to go and be signs and bearers of God’s love to the world more particularly to their fellow youths.
KUDOS! To the hosting communities Don Bosco Boys Town and Bosco Boys Kuwinda for the hospitality offered, BRAVO! To our main organizers Sr. Eleanor FMA and Fr. Njoroge SDB for their constant presence among the young people. HONGERA! To all the facilitators for the well prepared input that kept the young people awake all through.
CONGRATS! To all the young participants behaving so well and taking the experience positively. For the many others who contributed to the success in one way or another be blessed and may the SYM fire keep burning.
Christabel Malama, FMA Novice
THE SYM FORUM 2009 THROUGH THE EARS AND EYES OF AN FMA NOVICE
Thank God for this great opportunity, to share with you about this life - changing experience I had. The forum was at Boys’ Town from the 14th to 18th of Dec. Around 200 young people were present. The theme was Jesus the ultimate hero, the young people arrived with great enthusiasm which made the event to be very lively
The 1st day Fr. Sebastian lead us through a touching meditation, it was amazing for me because I couldn’t believe young people can keep still for 45 minutes. And later we had session on Jesus the ultimate hero. The session was accompanied by beautiful songs with messages of what it takes to be a hero. The rest of the sessions were done by Fr. Tom, Fr. Abel, Sr. Joyce and Sr. Placida. I was greatly moved by the way young people animated the daily masses with great enthusiasm. The afternoon of the 17th was a day of reconciliation guided by Sr. Laurenzia. It was touching to see how young people took seriously the opportunity of approaching the sacrament of reconciliation and the Eucharist.
On 18th it was a remarkable day for the SDBs not only in Kenya but all over the world, a day that they were commemorating 150 yrs since the congregation started. They took the opportunity to make Don Bosco known to the participants of the SYM forum by spending the afternoon in sharing their vocational journeys. This moved my heart in seeing the interest and curiosity of young people in wanting to know more not only about the SDBs but also the FMAs since some of the FMAs had an opportunity to share their vocational journeys too. I am sure many seeds were sown in their hearts on that day.
To me it was time to reflect on the humble beginnings of the institute and to recall the tireless zeal of Don Bosco. On the last day we had a beautiful commissioning mass where I was challenged as a novice to go out and shine and be a hero.
My thanks goes to all who made the forum run smoothly and that is the SDB fathers and brothers, FMA sisters and novices for their enthusiasm in animation and to the 2 heroes Fr. Njoroge and Sr. Eleanor , our main co-coordinators of the forum who worked calmly and tirelessly. May God bless them all.
To my beloved young people, as pope John Paul II told us during one of the world youth days. “Young people, do not be afraid to be the saints of the new millennium and that, this world needs heroes, needs candles because we are living in such an impure time and we need to be the light in the darkness” So I encourage you to shine and be heroes of today, tomorrow and always.
Juliet Gitonga FMA Novice
THE SYM FORUM 2009 THROUGH THE EARS AND EYES OF A YOUNG PARTICIPANT
I am greatful for this opportunity to share my experience of the past SYM Forum which was my first. My gratitude goes to the organizers of this Forum which left a memorable mark in my life.
This experience helped me to discover some hidden talents that I never thought I had. Though it was only for five days, we were given an opportunity to express ourselves through various activities.
I also learnt much from the facilitators and other youths. My life was transformed. The Reconciliation service helped me in my relationship with God, others and my own self. The experience I had after confession was that I felt a heavy load taken off my shoulder.
The prayer moment given in form of meditation and adoration gave me a chance to experience union with God. I had never prayed in this way before, but I appreciated these moments and I realized it was short. I was able to go deeper into myself and see my inner being in the way I have never seen before.
The silence we observed after adoration made me experience peace and serenity since as a young person I am used to the noise from the radio and television.
Before the Reconciliation, we watched the film of St. Maria Goretti which inspired me to keep forgiving even those who hurt me because forgiveness leads to new life.
The inputs were well presented and the meditation on the adulterous woman,taught me that I too can be a hero if I follow His teachings of avoiding condemning and judging others.
From the topic on youth and Media, I learnt that media can influence people negatively. This awakened a desire in me to go for the positive aspects of media which will help me to be a better communicator.
The Topic on Salesian family and Salesian youth spirituality, made me aware of the great Salesian heroes and heroines. The Lives of Don Bosco and mother Mazzarello inspired me to be always in union with God and to be a role model to the fellow youth.
I was further touched by the experiences shared by the Salesians and it made me discover that it is possible to leave everything so as to serve God. I felt strongly that though am not a brother or a priest, I can still serve in the Salesian family as a youth.
