Young Catholic Adults, The Consecrated Converge in Groundbreaking Youth Synod in Southern Africa

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

Set in a natural environment in the Randvaal, the event blended prayer, dialogue, recreation, and discernment.

In his opening address, Fr. Vincent Klement, a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), reflected on the urgency and hope behind convening the Youth Synod. 

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

“To bring the young people at the heart of the Catholic community and to involve youth in the dynamics of the synodal way of being Church were the strongest motivations,” he said.

He highlighted the growing recognition of young people as central to the life and mission of the Church, tracing this focus from St. John Paul II’s establishment of World Youth Day in 1985 to Pope Francis’ 2015–2018 Synod on Youth, Faith, and Vocational Discernment.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

“Today, youth ministry is becoming an integral part of dioceses and religious congregations. However, this growth is often not accompanied by sufficient formation and training of ministers,” Fr. Klement said. 

The Youth Team Animator of LCCL-SA explained that the Synod provided a shared space for reflection, learning, and collaboration among those serving young people.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

The Youth Synod is firmly rooted in the Church’s synodal journey, inspired by Pope Francis’ vision of a Synodal Church from 2021 to 2028. 

Fr. Klement emphasised that synodality is not merely an event, but a way of being Church, in which ministers and young people walk together in prayerful listening and discernment.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

“As youth ministers, we are called not only to work for the young, but with them,” he said, referencing the African Bishops’ call for Consecrated Persons to become true missionaries of synodality, building communion, participation, and mission..

Fr. Klement said, “The Synod is not only about planning or strategy, but about discerning what God is asking of us through the voices of the young.”

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Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav KlementHe also presented The Creed of a Youth Minister, a spiritual framework for all engaged in youth ministry. 

The Creed emphasises God’s love for young people, their dignity, and their role as bearers of hope and seeds of the Kingdom.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

It challenges ministers to educate and accompany young people toward the fullness of life, ensuring that no youth is excluded from hope, even those affected by poverty, failure, or sin.

The Synod coincided with the feast of St. John Bosco, the patron saint of young people. During Mass, Fr. Klement shared original images of Don Bosco, highlighting his love for the youth and urging participants to emulate his example in guiding young people in faith.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

Throughout the three days, participants engaged in group games, creative prayer experiences across the Bosco Centre campus, and a midnight hike to the Hill of the Glorious Cross. 

Central to the gathering were moments of “Conversation in the Spirit,” where participants sat around eight round tables for prayerful listening, mutual discernment, and shared reflection.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

Several participants testified to the impact of the synod on their ministries. 

Sr. Caroline from Lesotho said the experience renewed her missionary zeal. 

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

“I have enjoyed most the creative prayer moments, got a new energy for my ministry and was re-awakened in my mission with the young,” she said.

SACBC youth leader, Lesego expressed hope that the synodal methodology would be replicated more widely. 

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

“I wish the same methodology of the conversation in the Spirit would be used with the young people within our local Church, so that our dioceses will live the focus on the young and would replicate this Youth Synod in all SACBC dioceses,” he said.

Sr. Penelope, a Zambian religious working in South Africa, highlighted the synod’s cultural and spiritual richness, pointing to the “talent show” and shared discernment as concrete expressions of a synodal Church where every member is listened to and welcomed.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

Refilwe, a former youth ministry volunteer, said the sense of togetherness among participants who had not known one another before was particularly striking. 

She left the synod energized and expressed hope that religious communities would address social ills affecting young people, especially human trafficking and gender-based violence. She said she dreams of a Church that stands out as a prophetic voice in society.

Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life Youth Synod. Credit: Fr Vaclav Klement

Fr. Lingoane Tlaile, coordinator of the youth ministry of religious congregations in Lesotho, said the highlight of the event was witnessing young people openly sharing their hopes and dreams while religious leaders listened attentively.

The second Youth Synod is scheduled to take place at Inkamana Monastery in the Diocese of Eshowe. Fr. Raphael Chonde, of the monastery, expressed gratitude for the initiative and looked forward to welcoming participants next year.