THE FORMATION AND ACCOMPANIMENT OF YOUTH AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES

Hubungi Kami

“The aim of my study in this book is to examine the impact of a youth ministry understood not only as a social service in favor of the new generations but above all as a mission to form missionary disciples, in the context of the Salesian Vice-Province of Timor-Leste. After examining the situation and setting out an appropriate criteriological framework, I will try to rethink our idea of youth ministry, our projects and actions, and our way of implementation, to make new proposals for change or improvement from the perspective of missionary discipleship. I would begin by taking a close, honest look at the reality of youth in Timor-Leste and at the ways in which Salesian youth ministry has been lived and shaped here. I also knew that such a study could not remain at the level of description; it would require delving into the rich biblical, theological, and educational roots of missionary discipleship, drawing from the life of the Church and the Salesian tradition. Finally, I hoped to distill this understanding into practical orientations—concrete steps to help form and accompany young people so that they might live fully as disciples sent on mission. I found the empirical, critical, and strategic theological method of Mario Midali. This method moves in three stages—kairological, criteriological, and strategical—each of which shapes the structure of the book. The journey ends with a General Conclusion that gathers together the main insights of the work, offering not only a synthesis of what has been learned but also a look forward—towards future possibilities and the continuing mission of accompanying young people in faith.”