Hyderabad, Sept. 12–14, 2025 — The Leaders and Animators’ Formation (LAF) Programme was held at BIRDY (Bosco Institute of Research and Development for Youth), Hyderabad, with the theme: “Salesian Youth Leaders as Pilgrims and Beacons of Hope to the Family, to the Church and to the Society.” The three-day programme brought together around 85 participants from the Provinces of Kolkata, Delhi, and of our province. 31 youth leaders of our province represented from the communities of Narisipatnam, Ravulapalem, Pezzoniper, Guntur, PT Paru, Ponnur, Wyra, Kadapa, DBNJ Hyderabad, Sanathnagar and Bandlaguda.
In his keynote address, Fr. Santiagu Thomas, Provincial of Hyderabad, underlined that “Salesians exist for young people — especially the poorest and most abandoned.” He recalled Don Bosco’s mission of being the “priest of the young,” making their well-being and salvation the heart of the Salesian Congregation.
Various sessions and group activities combined with intellectual and spiritual formation were organized. In coordination with Salesian and lay youth animators, the participants were engaged in knowing and understanding themselves as the protagonists of Salesian youth ministry, Salesian youth spirituality and as the agents of advocacy in Society. Connected to the contextual reality, animation was done on emerging and empowering youth leadership, youth leaders for a sustainable future, and promoters of care for the earth and youth leadership at the Diocese and Church levels. There was also a panel sharing on the youth realities such as addictions, relationships, media connectivity and their role as changemakers. Thus, the whole programme, created space for reflection on leadership, spirituality, ecological responsibility, and the pressing challenges faced by young people in today’s world.
Alongside the inputs, participants were enriched through moments of prayer, adoration, and personal conversation with the Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was also made available, offering renewal and inner peace. Evening cultural gathering, family get-together, and province-wise performances added vibrancy and strengthened bonds of friendship.
On the final day, a Hyderabad Darshan was organized, taking the participants through iconic sites such as Tank Bund, Birla Temple, Charminar, and to our Don Bosco Navajeevan Community, which is catering for the Youth at Risk. This visit provided them a taste of the city’s rich heritage, an opportunity for intercultural appreciation and the Salesian reach out to the marginalized youth.
The programme was meticulously coordinated by Fr. Yeruva Joji SDB, with the collaboration of youth delegates from Kolkata and Delhi, the Salesians of Hyderabad Province, and the enthusiastic support of the Bandlaguda Parish youth.
