The Rector Major indicated a number of priorities related to the service of governance and animation of the Provincial with his Council: care for the life and vocation of each confrere, evangelization and education of young people in the faith, and the preferential option for the poorest and neediest children and youth as an essential feature of Salesian charismatic identity.
During these days of the Spiritual Exercises, all Salesians present had ample personal time to pray and the opportunity for Eucharistic adoration with an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Each day also offered the opportunity to ask questions to the Rector Major on various topics of importance to Salesian life and mission, and present one's personal reflections. Moreover, everyone was also given the opportunity to learn more about the Salesian complex of Valdocco with a guided tour of the Museum-Casa Don Bosco and the Basilica with the Crypt of relics.
The central point of the Spiritual Exercises was the Eucharist, presided by the Rector Major, but with homilies entrusted to some of the Provincials present and the liturgical animation provided by various Provinces; in this way, the songs and prayers in the various languages were further appreciated in the awareness that the Region has a great cultural and linguistic heritage to be safeguarded. Another significant moment was experienced during the traditional Salesian "Good Nights" when the Provincials presented their Provinces, highlighting their most significant works or activities, for a form of mutual enrichment among all.
The Spiritual Exercises concluded on Saturday, November 12, with the Eucharist presided by the Rector Major in the Church of St. Francis de Sales. During the homily, Fr. Á.F. Artime emphasized the figure and spirituality of St. Francis de Sales as a fundamental mark of the Salesian spirit.
Before the conclusion of the Mass, there was a moment of thanksgiving to the Rector Major for the preaching of the Spiritual Exercises, which fostered an experience of knowledge among Salesians, of fraternity and communion with the Rector Major and among all the participants from the various Provinces of the Region.
