By Crystal D’Souza for BIS Mumbai

 The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) was officially commissioned at Don Bosco Centre for Learning (DBCL) at 3 p.m. in the Fr Santino Mondini Hall on September 7, 2026, marking a significant new beginning in the institution's youth ministry. The commissioning brought together the newly appointed SYM DBCL members and students of the campus with the aim of creating a vibrant community centred on faith, friendship, service and leadership, inspired by the spirit of St. John Bosco. Fr Charles Anthony, the youth ministry delegate for the campus initiated the formation of the group, while the formal commissioning of SYM was carried out by Fr Anthony Pinto, as the rector of the campus.

 The newly commissioned SYM team consisting of 14 members will form the core team responsible for fostering the movement and encouraging greater student participation in its activities at DBCL. The SYM group will provide students with a structured platform through which they can come together, deepen their faith, develop friendships, take initiative and engage in service. The purpose of establishing SYM at DBCL extends beyond organising individual events. The movement seeks to create an environment where young people can actively live out the Salesian spirit. Through fellowship, faith-based activities, leadership opportunities and service, students are encouraged to grow not only as individuals but also as members of a wider community.

 Following the commissioning, the newly established SYM team immediately translated this vision into action through Marian Knights, a youth-oriented programme centred on Marian devotion, fellowship and healthy competition. The programme provided an opportunity for the newly commissioned members to take on organisational and leadership responsibilities while engaging the students of DBCL.

 The gathering began with prayer and a Candle Rosary. This was followed by a series of devotional hymns performed by students and faculty as part of the Marian Serenade. The various games, puzzles and activities that followed were a blend of fun and Marian knowledge for the 100 students who were participating in the programme. For most of the students, this was the first time they had participated in a programme of this nature where faith, devotion and enjoyment went hand in hand. The programme concluded with the announcement of the winning team and the Knighting Ceremony conducted by Fr Nelson Carvalho.

 The commissioning marks the beginning of a new chapter in the institution's youth ministry. The newly commissioned team now carries the responsibility of nurturing this movement and creating future opportunities for students to participate, lead, serve and grow in the Salesian spirit.