Great is the expectation in these hours at Valdocco, in view of the official start of the world assembly. The courtyard of the Salesian Motherhouse is once again filled with international faces and accents, an expression of the global nature of the Salesian charism and of those who - like the past pupils - become its standard bearers in the different social and life situations in which they work.
Nearly 200 persons are estimated to participate in this assembly - ‘the ultimate sign of the unity of the Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, in all its diversity (...) a fraternal meeting in which the Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco come together to reflect on the Movement and the Association, faithful to their culture, the Gospel, the Church, society and Don Bosco’, as the EGWA Rules state: 189 are the Delegates of the different Federations, who have come representing 40 countries; to them must then be added the members of the World Presidency, translators, guides in different languages...
For some it is the first time in the cradle of the Salesian charism; others, instead, are veterans; and for all of them there is a intense programme of immersion in Salesianity, with many visits to the most significant Salesian sites, and a profound call to discernment, aimed at identifying the new paths that the Past Pupils are called to follow for the future of the confederation and its service to young people throughout the world.
“I feel so very emotional coming to Valdocco and meet the sons of Don Bosco from all over the world. I want to enrich myself and take back these fruits to share with the Past Pupils of Don Bosco in Pakistan” says Asif Daniel Tasleem, from Pakistan, says.
“This opportunity to take part in this World Past Pupils Meeting has reinvigorated my Salesian Spirit. I am passionate about Don Bosco and l want to do a lot for Don Bosco and the Salesians. My desire is to meet and talk to the Past Pupils from different parts of the world and see how we can network and make an impact on the world today” adds Inacio Rodrigues, Delegate from United Arab Emirates.
From his part, Fr Henry Dominic, Incharge of Past Pupils in the Province of Trichy, states: “I am coming with great excitement to see and learn what past pupils are doing and how l can animate and accompany the past pupils in my province. It is also a Salesian pilgrimage for me and l am going to learn and see more about Don Bosco the coming days.
Bryan Magro, the World Past Pupils President, finally declares: “I have been dreaming of these days for the past two years and it gives me an immense joy to welcome and meet the Past Pupils these days. Like Carlo Gastini, who brought the Past Pupils to Don Bosco, l too want to bring all our Past Pupils closer to the heart of Don Bosco and the Salesian Mission. It is my earnest desire to help the Past Pupils understand their mission and role in the world today. I hope Don Bosco from heaven will be happy to this representation of the Past Pupils and bless us all”.
