The event commenced with a heartfelt welcome extended to attendees, both in person and online. The opening sessions set a warm tone, emphasizing a “family days” atmosphere and highlighting the importance of flexibility, openness, and understanding. Participants were encouraged to embrace the spirit of communion.
A significant moment in the opening session was dedicated to reflecting on the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco’s First Missionary Expedition to Patagonia. Students from the Valdocco Middle School delivered a reenactment of this historic event, bringing to life the pioneering spirit of hope that motivated Don Bosco’s missionary work. This moment underscored the enduring legacy of Don Bosco’s commitment to spreading the message of Christ and faith to the furthest corners of the world, reminding attendees of the crucial role hope plays in the Salesian mission.
The inaugural session also featured a series of addresses by key Salesian leaders, each reinforcing the central theme of hope. Fr. Leonardo Mancini, the Provincial of the Special Circumscription of Piedmont and the Valle d'Aosta, Italy (ICP), shared a thought-provoking reflection on hope, drawing from the words of the French poet Charles Péguy, who described hope as the "younger sister" of faith and charity. Fr. Leonardo emphasized the importance of educators in nurturing hope, both in the young and in themselves. He called on all Salesians, members of the Salesian family and lay collaborators to inspire young people to become “good Christians and upright citizens,” grounded in the hopeful message of Christ.
Fr. Juan Lluís Playa, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat, focused on the theme of pilgrimage, an essential element of the Jubilee Year. He explained that pilgrimage is not just a physical journey but a spiritual quest that leads to deeper faith, love, and hope. He pointed to Valdocco as the first significant stop on this collective pilgrimage, marked by the opening of the Holy Doors, and encouraged participants to embark on this pilgrimage together as one family, united in their mission and quest for hope.
Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the Vicar of the Rector Major, delivered an impactful presentation on the Strenna for the year. His address conveyed greetings from Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime and underscored the Strenna as a living tradition that continues to guide the Salesian journey. Fr. Stefano highlighted the Strenna's role as a beacon for the Salesian Family, providing direction and inspiration for each member to embrace the values of hope and love.
The video presentation that followed, explored the core themes of the Strenna, offering participants an opportunity to reflect on the profound message of hope woven into its narrative. Key themes included the transformative nature of journeys, the desire to be different, and the essence of hope. The video illustrated how embracing hope can empower individuals to remain true to their values and beliefs, regardless of societal pressures, and featured moving stories of individuals who discovered hope in various circumstances.
After the video, Fr. Stefano Martoglio shared his reflections on the Strenna, drawing attention to several important themes. He stressed the significance of living each moment well and emphasized the connection between the Strenna and the Jubilee Year. He used the anchor as a symbol to illustrate the importance of being anchored to Christ for spiritual stability, likening it to mountain climbing, where secure anchors are necessary to overcome external challenges and progress. He described hope as an internal energy stemming from union with God, making a person vibrant, attractive, and capable of love. He highlighted Don Bosco’s genius in linking inner spiritual experience with outward action, creating a powerful communion between inner life and external action. He concluded by stating that the Kingdom of God is still unfolding, requiring continuous effort and personal encounters with God, the source of hope.
The session concluded with engaging questions from participants, to which Fr. Stefano responded with ease, providing concrete examples and insights on how hope can be translated into daily experiences and nurtured within oneself and the community.
The 43rd Salesian Family Spirituality Days, which have just begun with a rich agenda, promise to be powerful and spiritually enriching moments, reinforcing the call to live this journey of hope with the young, in true faith and Salesian spirit.
