Turin (Italy). From 20 to 22 May 2022, after two years of running in the online mode, the World Consultation of the Salesian Family is held in Valdocco, Turin, which brings together the World Leaders of all the Groups of the Salesian Family, in order to strengthen the bonds of charismatic communion, renew the Salesian identity, and prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians.
The Mother General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, and the General Councilor for the Salesian Family, Sr. Leslye Sandigo are present at the meeting.
“The spirituality and pedagogy of St. Francis de Sales in the Groups of the Salesian Family” is the theme that will be the guiding thread in the year in which the Church celebrates the 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales.
In continuity with Strenna 2022, “Do all through love, nothing through constraint” (St. Francis di Sales), the Groups were invited to reflect on their experience of Salesian Spirituality through two questions:
– Which elements of the Salesian Spirit characterize the Constitutions-Regulations of your group, of your identity, of your life and mission le?
– How is the practice of ‘goodness’ characterized in the life and pastoral-educational action of the members of your Group?
On 20 May the work of the Consult begins. At the opening, after the celebration of the Eucharist and Lauds, there is the greeting of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, Father and Center of Unity of the Salesian Family. Following, there was the presentation of the participants and the sharing on the life of each Group.
In the afternoon, the first session of group work will be held around the 1st thematic nucleus: the elements of the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales that characterize the Constitutions / Statutes of their own group. A moment of dialogue with Fr. Morand Wirth, SDB, on the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, will conclude the day.
On 21 May participants in the Consult will have the opportunity to visit the exhibit “Francis di Sales 400”, at Don Bosco House Museum in Valdocco, under the guidance of Fr. Christian Besso, SDB, one of the curators. They will then discuss the 2nd nucleus in groups on: “The practice of ‘goodness’ and ‘visitation’ in educational and pastoral action in response to new poverties and emergencies.”
In the afternoon, there will still be the opportunity to visit the Don Bosco House Museum in Valdocco and there will be an exchange with Fr. Wirth around the theme: “The pedagogy of goodness and the challenge of the visitation.” The day will end with a time of fraternity.
On 22 May, all participants will be united in the Sunday Eucharist presided over by the Rector Major in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. The meeting will end with a time of sharing to collect contributions and suggestions, and with the final words of the X Successor of Don Bosco.
