(ANS – Rome) – In the Council meeting of SDB Salesian Youth Ministry-LEADS held on 11th December 2021, after approving the guidelines for the World Council of SDB SYM-LEADS, it was unanimously proposed to celebrate the 400th death anniversary of Saint Francis De Sales. The Council members from Africa-Madagascar were given the responsibility of coordinating this event, in which all the SYM Groups in the Salesian Provinces will participate and express their devotion and love to this giant saint.
The organizing team (Fabrice Drabo, Laura Dias, Alphoncious Hamweete sdb) has proposed the following:
1. A common prayer service will be prepared by the team and will be sent to all the members of SYM in different languages. The SYM groups gather on that day (January, 24) or day before to pray and reflect on St. Francis of Sales.
2. Each province is encouraged to ask one or two young people to give a video message (max of 2 minutes) either on the life and teachings of St. Francis de Sales or on the Strenna 2022 of the Rector Major.
3. Creative paintings and drawings on St Francis de Sales or the Strenna 2022 could be promoted by the young people at the Province level.
All the above moments will be posted in the social media with the #symsales400. Let the gentleness of the Saint we celebrate, enkindle the hearts of young people.
Sources: Fr Patrick Anthonyraj, SDB