Youth Ministry Meeting Calls for Stronger Networking, Collaboration and Accompaniment

The Annual Youth Ministry Delegates and Network Heads Meeting 2026 concluded at Siloam, Umsawkhwan, in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi District, after five days of reflection, dialogue and pastoral planning. Organised by the Youth Pastoral Ministry in Rome in collaboration with Don Bosco Youth Animation – South Asia, the meeting brought together youth ministry delegates and network leaders from across the Salesian Provinces of South Asia. The gathering focused on strengthening the Salesian mission among young people through greater collaboration and shared pastoral action. The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, discuss emerging challenges in youth ministry and explore common approaches at provincial, regional and international levels. During the concluding session on September 17, Rev. Fr. Raphael Bejarano SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, stressed the importance of continuous communication and networking among the different levels of Salesian youth ministry. Fr. Bejarano encouraged participants to maintain close links with their provinces, regional structures and the international team so that experiences, information and feedback can be shared effectively. He emphasised that the Youth Ministry team exists not simply to provide ready-made solutions but to support, accompany and build initiatives together with the provinces. He also highlighted the importance of recognising the different pastoral contexts of each province. Better coordination, mutual learning, information sharing and constructive feedback, he said, can help strengthen youth ministry across the Salesian network. Reflecting on the future direction of youth ministry, Fr. Bejarano encouraged delegates to bring together different approaches and perspectives. He also stressed the value of clear indicators, quality accompaniment and regular evaluation so that pastoral initiatives can respond more effectively to the realities and aspirations of young people. Prayer and close collaboration with young people were also highlighted as essential elements of Salesian youth ministry. Fr. Bejarano encouraged ministry teams to work alongside young people, reflect with them and involve them in decision-making. The concluding session included a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Patrick Lepcha SDB, Director of Don Bosco Youth Animation – South Asia. He expressed gratitude to the participants for their active involvement and acknowledged the contribution of the organisers, resource persons and the Siloam community. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on fraternity, networking, collaboration and accompaniment as important elements in strengthening youth ministry across South Asia.