A year on from its retreat at Colle Don Bosco, the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Europe and Middle East decided that the team could adapt the retreat and take it online this year. Very soon, 230 young people from all over the world, including the UK, Australia and America, had registered for the event, which took place from 14 - 17 April 2020. Time differences meant many had to get up very early, or stay up very late to take part, and naturally, not everyone was able to be part of every session, but all came away strengthened and refreshed by sharing this time of community and renewal.

In a Lectio Divina reflection during the retreat, Fr Fabio Attard SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, highlighted one of the most important messages fo the retreat, when he said that 'our heart is the place where we listen to God, our heart is the place where we discover God's project.

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime SDB, spoke to all participants, with Don Fabio translating, to assure them that he prays for them every day, as he says the rosary while walking outside.

The language for the Lectio and sharing sessions was English, and the Rector Major gave his final blessing in English.

Sharing the Rector Major's message on their Facebook page, the Salesian Youth Movement, Europe and Middle East, responded: 'Thank you Don Angel, Don Fabio and all members of the Salesian Family for praying and being here for us! Through you, we feel loved, accepted and can grow to become good Christians and honest citizens!'

Their YouTube channel (link below) includes the Lectio Divina videos from the retreat, with links to resources.