As per tradition, the Spirituality Days, on a thematic level, will serve to deepen the message of the Rector Major's Strenna for the new year. The guideline, therefore, will be drawn on the basis of the motto already announced last July by the Rector Major - "Do all through love, nothing through constraint" - a theme drawn from the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales, the Genevan bishop who Pope Pius IX proclaimed as a Doctor of the Church.
“In this way, we will approach the core of the spirituality of the saint who strongly inspired Don Bosco. This year is particularly significant because we observe the fourth centenary of the death of St Francis de Sales (1622-2022). It will undoubtedly be a precious experience for the Salesian Family worldwide. A good coordination by the local Provincials and their Councils will be decisive in helping all of us to feel and share the Salesian spirit which has its origin in the Saint of Annecy,” explained Fr Joan Lluís.
As in 2021, also for the ‘GSFS 2022’, the fortieth anniversary in Salesian history, there will be three different “levels” of participation: one global, regional and the local levels.
The program of the "world" level will be broadcast live from Turin every day from 13:00 to 15:00 Italian time (UTC + 1). Around 250 people are expected to participate in presence in the event at Valdocco, representing the 32 groups that make up the great tree of the Salesian Family. The event will begin on Thursday 13 and will end on Sunday 16, with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. All information (program, registration link and all other resources) will be provided at: https://famigliasalesiana.org
The “regional” program will be broadcast from the venue chosen by each Region. The specific moments of this level will be organized by the regional teams and their coordinators will send members all the information necessary to participate in the various events planned in their respective regions: America (a single region for Interamerica and America South Cone); Africa and Madagascar; Mediterranean; North Eastern Europe; South Asia; East Asia and Oceania.
“If the Salesian Family Councils or Provincial Councils wish, and are able to hold some meetings in presence, they will obviously be free to do so. Celebrating the Eucharist together, communicating experiences, reflecting on the theme of the local reality, living together joyfully ... these are all initiatives that will undoubtedly foster the family spirit among the local groups,” explained Fr Joan Lluís.
In any case, even for those who follow the broadcasts exclusively from a distance, Fr Joan Lluís reassures: “We will still be able to live and share moments of fraternal and festive coexistence.”
