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STYM 2026 Concludes, Engaging Nearly 1,400 Youth Across Guwahati Province

Panbazar, Guwahati, Assam

The theologians at the conclusion of the Summer Time Youth ministry (STYM) 2026 at Guwahati.

STYM 2026 Concludes, Engaging Nearly 1,400 Youth Across Guwahati Province

30 July 2026

Animation, Salesian Youth Movement - SYM, Youth Groups,

News reported by: Mukhim Bivan [ING]

The Summer Time Youth Ministry (STYM) 2026 of the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, concluded on July 28 with an evaluation and thanksgiving session at the Provincial House, Panbazar, after a month-long outreach that engaged nearly 1,400 young people across 10 centres.

Held from July 3 to 27 under the theme "Animating Young Hearts in the Spirit of Don Bosco," the annual initiative emphasised faith formation, leadership development, community living and fellowship in the Salesian tradition.

The concluding programme was attended by Provincial Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Vice Provincial Fr Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB and seven Salesian clerics who coordinated the camps across the Province. Presenting the overall report, Fr Mukhim commended the clerics for their dedicated service and timely submission of reports, which facilitated the final evaluation.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Kuricheal congratulated the organisers on the successful completion of the programme and reflected on Jesus' invitation to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). He said that, after weeks of accompanying young people across the Province, the brothers had returned “enriched by their missionary experiences.”

Expressing satisfaction over the participation of nearly 1,400 youth, the Provincial thanked the Salesian communities that hosted the camps for their hospitality and support. He said, “Youth camps are not merely pastoral activities but formative experiences” that prepare young Salesians for their future ministry.

Drawing on the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Fr Kuricheal said that even brief encounters with young people can sow seeds of faith, hope and service that continue to bear fruit long after the camps conclude. Invoking the Salesian motto, Da mihi animas, cetera tolle (“Give me souls, take away the rest”), he said the brothers should return to their theological studies with renewed zeal and commitment to serving the young.

During the evaluation session, each of the seven clerics shared personal experiences, challenges, blessings and recommendations. Many said the ministry had strengthened their confidence, leadership, teamwork and pastoral sensitivity while providing valuable practical experience in youth ministry.

In his concluding remarks, Fr Bivan Rodriques Mukhim described STYM as an important platform for developing leadership, teamwork, confidence and pastoral skills among young Salesians. He appreciated the participants' candid feedback.