But who is behind the scenes of this hybrid (in person and virtual) event of the Salesian Family - both in Valdocco and within the EAO region?
Salesian Brother Dominic Nguyen Duc Nam, SDB - World delegate for the DB Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators, based now in Valdocco shares his‘ World level experience ’with 350 or more Salesian Family members, while being a core animator of the online virtual events in the distant EAO region:
"We had a wonderful gathering of the Salesian family members in Valdocco for these 42nd SF Spirituality Days from 18 to 21 January 2024 with around 370 people coming from all over the world, from Africa, Asia, America, and Europe. Valdocco was fully packed with people who gave life to this historical Salesian place.
As a member of the organising team, I am happy to meet the people who come here with great love and devotion to Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco. How nice to see the brothers and sisters of Don Bosco Family stay together to celebrate the 200 years of Don Bosco's Dream. We provided them with a schedule that allowed them to participate in the program with different moments of sharing, and visiting Salesian places in Valdocco and the city of Turin. This year the participants also visited Valsalice, the community of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians just in front of the Basilica and the first Oratory of Don Bosco. All the visits, and listening to the enriching stories of each place were very much appreciated. Also, the moments of common prayer in the Basilica, meal time and personal encounters in this multicultural community were very well attended It was exciting to share our vocation story, how we fell in love with Don Bosco, and personal dreams, desires and commitment in the mission. New generations are coming, but the Dream of Don Bosco goes on!
After 4 days together, the Salesian Family members feel fearless in dreaming ‘God's dream in Don Bosco’ 200 years ago, making that dream come alive in their lives. All of them brought with them the spiritual gift ‘Don Bosco's Letter’, shared during the Sunday Eucharist by the Rector Major, 10th successor of Don Bosco."
We may also be inspired by the East Asia - Oceania participants in this event (a dozen of them in Valdocco, but hundreds followed in their home places in real-time):
“I couldn't watch the second day, I'd like to watch this event later. The first day, the EAO Round Table was very interesting, both for theological reflection and for living out Don Bosco's dream today. I hope the program will be shared for the benefit of the Salesian Family." (Japan, Lay Mission Partner)
“Thanks for your appreciation of our contribution. We've internet signal problems here during the last presentation tonight. But it's okay. We've profited a lot from this significant event.” (Timor Leste, FMA)
“It was tiring, but I'm always happy to help. I want to train a new generation of IT support for this event, who can do the same job, so we have more talent to tap for this kind of EAO regional events. " (Filipino IT coordinator, DB Past Pupil)
"Thank you, dear Family, for all your time and sacrifices... I realize what Don Bosco's dream-at-nine means for us NOW! It's not only to have ‘a heart that transforms wolves into lambs,’ but also ‘a heart that transforms wolves and lambs…’ to TAME the wolf and to TRAIN the sheep” (Indonesia, Salesian SDB)
Yes, this precious annual event is over, but a very rich sharing from all corners of EAO region is available on the internet (videos on EAO-SF YouTube channel in 7 languages, text and photos are also available on the Salesian website).
EAO-World level 2024 SF Spirituality days materials are available here.
