Italy – The "Corso Germoglio" and "Corso Respiro" on a joint pilgrimage to the Salesian holy places

23 September 2024

(ANS – Castelnuovo Don Bosco) – It has been almost two weeks since, on 12 September 2024, the members of the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition participating in the "Corso Germoglio" and the missionaries of the "Corso Respiro" – intended for those who work in missionary contexts and want a time of renewal – have set out together on a "Spiritual journey in the life and times of Don Bosco" that took them to Colle Don Bosco, Castelnuovo, Chieri, Mondonio, Mornese and Valdocco.

The 48 participants in total begin each day with a "Lectio Divina", moments of personal prayer and reflection. The morning session, led by Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the Missions, ends with a "Salesian echo" through the reading of the text of the "Memoirs of the Oratory" or other primary sources that refer to the places that are visited on that day.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the places they have reflected on during the morning. Fr Reginaldo Cordeiro, member of the Sector and Coordinator of both courses, is in charge of the logistics of the visits. Participants alternate in the preparation of breakfast and the evening meal, under the supervision of Fr Pavel Zenisek. Fr Eric Mairura coordinates translation, when necessary, among other things.

The participants in the "Corso Respiro" have shared these words: "It is the first time I have left Brazil", says Fr Raimundo Luan, "and for me this rich international and intercultural experience is really very formative." "I already feel that it is a very enriching course. By understanding Don Bosco and his charism, we also better understand our founder," said Sister Koshuni Auxilia, Sister of the Visitation of Don Bosco (VSDB). "Living, reflecting and sharing with the members of other groups of the Salesian Family makes us concretely experience what it means to live together as a family," Fr Rado, from Azerbaijan, says. "Even if I have visited these places quickly, this course allows us to stop and reflect on the deepest meaning of these places for us today," said Salesian Brother Sylvester Makumba, from Botswana. "This course helps me prepare for the ongoing formation of our members," explains Chem Mouem, Salesian Cooperator from Cambodia. "I am very grateful for this course," explained Fr Sylvester Casaclang from the Philippines, "because we are given essential information about the places we visit, but above all we have a lot of personal time to reflect and pray!"

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