Making disciples on the field : sports and recreation as tools for salesian youth ministry

Abstract

According to various authors, sports and recreation can be regarded as very effective tools one can employ in order to shape youths on a spiritual level. This scenario was the focus of such an opus which did mainly focus upon two related and associated aspects. The first aspect is based upon literature findings which explore the idea that sports are more than just about developing competition winners. They are above all an avenue for youths to develop and implement numerous life values as well as experience spiritual well-being. The literature findings also treated Don Bosco’s hope that his own educational method forms an integral part of the Salesians’ holistic programmes of socio-educational activities and professional training. Inspired by these literature findings, the second part of this qualitative investigation includes an in-depth analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with 6 Maltese Salesian leaders. The interviews aimed at analysing the dynamics of carrying out youth ministry by implementing sports and recreational activities and assess whether Maltese Salesians are currently following the example of their founder and thus putting the preventive system into practice. From the interviews it emerged that sports and recreation can indeed be used to promote the word of God and encourage youngsters to live a good life. It also resulted that the Maltese Salesian leaders are truly working hard to make good use of Don Bosco’s pedagogical approach in their daily mission at the oratories.