From 12 to 17 August, motivated by love for the Young People's Saint and eager to revive the Salesian encounter they have had in Salesian works in Damascus, Aleppo, Iraq and Lebanon, they met to visit the places where Don Bosco was born and raised.

After long hours of travel, the participants were welcomed into the home of Mamma Margaret. In fact, the first stage took them right to the roots of John Bosco's childhood, between Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Colle Don Bosco and Chieri.

The second stage consisted of a contemplative pilgrimage to the city of Turin, through the eyes of Don Bosco. The participants visited some places where he studied and where he began his first pastoral work with the help of Fr Cafasso, working with the Marchioness Barolo, to welcome marginalised young people and poor children. Subsequently, the pilgrims gathered in a moment of prayer and meditation in front of the Shroud, kept in the Cathedral in Turin.

On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Assumption, the group then visited the Abbey of San Michele, from where they prayed for peace in the world and for the Middle East. The day continued with a visit to the Madonna dei Laghi Sanctuary, a Salesian Spirituality Centre. Here they shared a moment of fraternity and prayer, attending Holy Mass and concluding the day with games and moments of leisure.

The next day, the anniversary of Don Bosco's birth, the group had the opportunity to visit the place where Don Bosco brought the first oratory, where he founded the Salesian Congregation and where he lived until the day of his death. The group then wanted to express a big thank you to the Salesians at Valdocco, who guided them in visiting the most significant places, such as the Casa Don Bosco Museum, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the Church of St Francis de Sales and the Pinardi Chapel.

Finally, with great joy, the Pilgrims had the opportunity to meet the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, who invited them to be "a leaven of love and joy wherever they are, and to bring everything they have experienced in the East and in their daily lives, bringing the example of Don Bosco, Dominic Savio and Mamma Margaret."

This experience was the realisation for them  of a dream and an opportunity to reflect on the dreams themselves, which give meaning and direction to their lives and push us to ask ourselves: what is really important to me? Therefore, at the end of these days, their invitation is to continue to dream, to trust in the Lord and to entrust themselves to Mary.

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