In the premises at Valdocco, where the hundreds of participants are gathering, there is, as always, enthusiasm and cheerfulness, but also the determination and awareness of being about to share something beautiful and important. The official languages of the event are five - Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese - but there are even more being spoken, given that some 45 nations and more than 20 groups of the Salesian Family are represented in the Salesian Pentecost about to start.
Fr Juan Lluis Playà, SDB, the Rector Major's Central Delegate for the Secretariat for the Salesian Family, says that “With great joy I look forward to meeting all the participants from the various groups of the Salesian Family. We have prepared a wonderful programme. This year, the days will be a little different from previous years, as we are in the Jubilee year. The theme of the journey will be reflected in the programme. The testimonies that will be shared during these days will be of a unique richness and will be a source of nourishment for the Salesian family”.
“I look forward to these days as a beautiful family gathering, where we form and grow together. I hope to return home renewed and more rooted in spirituality. I look forward to the deepening of the Strenna, to collect resources for the whole year,” Sister Marta Nemeth FMA, from Croatia says.
Sr Anna Matevi Salouni, MSMHC, from India, adds: “I hope to discover how the Salesian family, through its spirituality, can face the current challenges and how we can be pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee year.”
While Mr. Bryan Magro, President of the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, says, “This annual meeting for me is days of great enrichment and renewal in Salesian spirituality. I have the opportunity to listen to and get to know other members of the Salesian family and to learn new ways and strategies to strengthen links and initiatives in the world of Don Bosco past-pupils. These days give me guidelines to understand and implement the Strenna among the past pupils”.
Again, Mr. Fulbert Ngoy Mwanabute, ASC, from Lubumbashi, Rep. Dem. Congo, shares: “I hope to experience moments of deep spirituality and sharing. It will be a great enrichment to participate in these days in Valdocco, the source of Salesian spirituality, and to know the places of Don Bosco. I expect to receive inspiration for my work with young people and to enrich my Salesian mission. I believe I will return home with new ideas and valuable experiences”.
Finally, Alejandra Orduna, ASC, from Guadalajara, Mexico, concludes: “I came here for these days to meet and update myself on Salesian spirituality and my vocation as a Salesian Cooperator. Meeting other Salesian Cooperators from various parts of the world and living these days together will be a great grace for me. Besides this, the reflections and sharing on this year's Strenna will also help me to concretely organise the other activities for the Salesian mission in Guadalajara”.
