The first formation meeting for potential Salesian Youth Animators was held on 7th March 2026. It was a success – four 17-year-olds, two youths in their twenties and two adults (parents) came along.
The session featured:
Fr Nick Harden who shared his personal life experience as a vulnerable youth navigating the distractions of the secular world. He talked about the importance of listening to God’s voice and discernment through the guidance of a spiritual director. He stressed that every experience no matter how horrifying, odd, unlikely, or inadequate, is used by God to allow us to come to know Him.
Fr Nick concluded his talk with an inspiring reflection from St. John Henry Newman’s Meditations and Devotions, quoting ‘The Mission of My Life’ which affirms that each person is entrusted by God with a unique purpose and mission.
“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next…”.
Raphael Bhembe SDB, guided the group on Salesian pedagogy. Focusing on Don Bosco’s preventive system as opposed to repressive approach. He emphasized that the preventive system is founded upon three essential pillars:
- Reason,
- Religion
- Loving kindness.
Andre who anchored the program, provided an overview of the nature and goals of the proposed Friday oratory meetings/gatherings, outlining their structure and purpose in the spiritual development of the participants.
Malachy presented the theme mirroring the Salesian Strenna 2026, “Do whatever he tells you, believers free to serve.” In addition, he presented the name of the oratory as “Faith Formation Through Fun”. Finally, he shared the details of the design on the oratory banner.
Following the presentations, the participants were encouraged to register their names and contact information, expressing their willingness to contribute to the establishment of the Don Bosco Oratory at OLSD.
