Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) 2025
The Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) programme, organized by the Sacred Heart Salesian Province of Bangalore, was held at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore, from October 18 to 19, 2025. The two-day programme brought together 60 dynamic participants, including young leaders and Salesians from the provinces of Chennai, Trichy, and Bangalore.
The programme began with registration at 10:00 AM, followed by the official inauguration at 10:30 AM. The event commenced with a prayer song and the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries and youth representatives, symbolizing the light of leadership and guidance. Rev. Fr. K. O. Varghese, Provincial Councillor and Youth Ministry Delegate of the Bangalore Province, welcomed all the participants and dignitaries with warmth and enthusiasm. The Keynote Address was delivered by Fr. Shalbin Kalancherry, Vice Provincial of the Bangalore Province.
Following the inaugural session, Fr. Bosco Carvalho SDB from the Mumbai Province energized the youth with a lively icebreaker session featuring dances, songs, and group activities. After a short coffee break, the first session began at 11:30 AM on the topic “Leadership Trends in the 21st Century” by Fr. Binu Scaria SDB from Don Bosco Angadikadavu. This insightful session explored the challenges and opportunities for youth leaders today.
Post-lunch, the second session resumed at 2:30 PM with Fr. Binu, focusing on leadership through interactive discussions and group work, encouraging youth to reflect and engage. At 6:00 PM, an interactive evening session titled “Don Bosco: A Fascinating Saint” by Fr. Dilip SDB invited young people to share their personal inspirations drawn from the life of Don Bosco. At 7:15 PM, the youth participated in a serene Taizé prayer service led by Don Bosco Youth from Lingarajapuram Parish. In a moving gesture, participants wrote their personal petitions and pinned them to a symbolic prayer board.
The evening concluded with dinner, followed by an hour of fun games and competitions, fostering camaraderie and joy. The first day concluded at 10:00 PM.
The second day began with Holy Mass at 7:00 AM, followed by breakfast. At 9:30 AM, the first session on Emotional Intelligence was conducted by Fr. Francis Xavier SDB, the Principal of Don Bosco ITI, Hassan. The session included interactive activities, group discussions, and reflections, helping participants understand and harness the power of emotions in leadership.
At 11:45 AM, Fr. Bosco Carvalho SDB returned to animate a session on media titled: “Control, Alt, Believe”. Encouraging participants to be proactive, ethical, and responsible in the digital space, the session combined media awareness and creativity in youth ministry.
After lunch, participants gathered for a group discussion to outline concrete action plans based on the learning from the two days.
At 3:00 PM, the Valedictory Function began. Youth representatives shared heartfelt testimonials and takeaways from the programme. Rev. Fr. Shalbin, the Vice Provincial delivered a concluding message, appreciating the efforts of all organizers, animators, and participants, and encouraging everyone to carry forward the Salesian spirit.
The Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) 2025 was a powerful platform for young people and Salesian leaders to connect, reflect, and grow. Through thought-provoking sessions, spiritual nourishment, creative expressions, and fraternal bonding, participants left equipped to be authentic leaders and joyful witnesses of Don Bosco’s vision.
