By Mr Ajinkya Parkhe and Ms Pearl Fernandes for BISMumbai

SYMBIOS 2024 for the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Pune Region was held on 11 February 2024 at Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), Koregaon Park. Around 200 young people gathered for the event.  

Fr Dinesh Vasava, Regional Youth Co-ordinator for the Pune Region, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. Prominent guests for the occasion included Fr Patrick Lepcha - South Asian Regional Delegate for Youth Ministry, and Fr Leon Cruz Ratinam - Province Delegate for Youth Ministry. The day commenced with a prayer service by the aspirants of Don Bosco, Lonavla. 

The theme for the event was ‘Know and Grow in Christ’. Fr Ian Dalton, the Rector, gave a talk explaining the role of Christ in our lives, which struck a deep chord with the audience, inspiring them to consider the significance of Christ's teachings and presence. The Vocation Animator for the Salesian Province of Bombay, Fr Velasli Bandya, carried on the session, exploring the real meaning of Christ and stressing the importance of making Him the centre of our lives. The Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr Valerian Pereira, emphasised the value of accepting Christ as the centre of our lives and marked the spiritual high point of the day.  

Post lunch, an interactive session with the Vocation Team of DBYC and Sacred Heart Parish, Yerwada, along with the three newly ordained priests — Fr Agnel James, Fr Lawrance Vincent, and Fr Ian Pinto — offered the young people a chance to understand vocation promotion in the Church, thus gaining valuable insights into the journey to priesthood and Salesian life.

From Don Bosco Chinchwad's light-hearted comedy to the Holy Angel Sisters' moving portrayal of ‘Holy Encounters’, each performance shed light on a different aspect of faith and society. All the youth of Sacred Heart Parish showcased their talents through enthralling dances and acts, adding vigour and excitement to the event. In addition to spiritual and cultural activities, the DBYC students of theology conducted outdoor games for the young people, while action songs and a Zumba session infused liveliness and energy into the gathering. 

The event culminated with a valedictory function and a vote of thanks proposed by Fr Alex Carvalho. A special note of gratitude to Fr Vasava, who was instrumental in planning the event along with the youth group, the student brothers at DBYC, working tirelessly to ensure that the event was truly unforgettable.