ANIMATING YOUNG MINDS THROUGH FAITH, MEDIA AND LEADERSHIP A JOURNEY OF FORMATION ACROSS MUMBAI, AHMEDNAGAR AND GOA - SR. BETTY MENEZES

The months of June and July 2026 witnessed a vibrant journey of animation and formation as Sr. Betty Menezes conducted a series of educational and pastoral programmes at Auxilium School, Wadala, Mumbai (22 June), Auxilium School, Ahmednagar (29 June–2 July), Auxilium School, Benaulim, Goa (4–5 July), and Sulcorna Boarding, Goa (6 July). Rooted in the Salesian charism and inspired by the Church's vision of integral education, these programmes reached students, teachers, and boarding students through a rich blend of faith formation, leadership development, media education, and creative learning. Guided by the Strenna 2026 of the Rector Major, "Do Whatever He Tells You," the sessions encouraged participants to place God at the centre of their lives and respond generously to His call by becoming responsible, compassionate, and hope-filled builders of society.

The animation journey concluded on 7 July 2026 with Sr. Betty's return to Mumbai after successfully completing the programmes across Maharashtra and Goa. Despite being conducted in different educational settings, every institution shared the same vision of forming young people who are deeply rooted in Gospel values, equipped with responsible media literacy, committed to caring for creation, and inspired to become ethical leaders in today's digital world. More than a series of educational sessions, this mission became a journey of faith, creativity, collaboration, and transformation, reaffirming the Salesian commitment to accompanying the young in becoming joyful and responsible citizens who contribute positively to the Church and society.

A major focus of the programme was the Youth Pastoral Project, inspired by the Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV. Drawing from the biblical stories of Babel and Jerusalem, Sr. Betty invited the participants to reflect on the values of unity, humility, teamwork, and collaborative leadership. While Babel illustrated the consequences of pride, selfish ambition, and division, Jerusalem became a powerful symbol of people working together with a shared vision, mutual trust, and commitment to the common good. The sessions also emphasized Care for Creation, inspiring students to become responsible stewards of God's creation through simple yet meaningful actions. Alongside this, Media Education introduced students to Artificial Intelligence, AI tools, Human Intelligence, and Photography, highlighting the importance of using technology ethically, responsibly, and creatively while recognizing that human wisdom, compassion, and critical thinking remain irreplaceable. Sr. Betty also animated the students on the role of Media Coordinators and the annual initiatives of the Social Communication Sector, encouraging them to use media positively for education, communication, and evangelization.