Italy – Conclusion of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days

20 January 2025

(ANS – Turin) - On Sunday, January 19, 2025, the Salesian Family Spirituality Days concluded, an event that brought together members from around the world in a climate of sharing and deep reflection. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio, marked the highlight of the gathering, attracting many participants both in person and via online.

During the celebration, Fr. Martoglio conveyed three significant messages. He emphasized the maternal presence of Mary Help of Christians, who comes close to her children and intercedes for them. He also highlighted how Mary's intervention with Jesus inspires a dynamism within us that nourishes faith, obedience, and the vitality of hope. Participants were invited to recognize that these days are blessed by the testimony of a great family, in which each member becomes a source of hope for the other. The Mass concluded in a very symbolic way, with Fr. Martoglio, the Vicar of the Rector Major, along with other General Council members and representatives of the Salesian Family, gathered in prayer around the tomb of Don Bosco to seek his blessings.

The celebration was marked by significant participation, with representatives and heads of various groups present, as well as numerous symbolic gestures that manifested the universality and richness of the Salesian Family.

Another fundamental moment that followed the Mass was the group sharing, where members of the Salesian Family gathered in groups to reflect and engage in dialogue. Each group had the opportunity to discuss the stimuli and content expressed during the days, paying particular attention to aspects of the Strenna deemed most relevant for the Salesian community. These exchanges enriched the overall experience, allowing each participant to feel like an active part of a common project.

The concluding session was the final moment that highlighted the grace of having authentically lived moments as members of the Salesian Family. Through videos and testimonies, participants were able to see how these days were experienced across various continents, emphasizing the repercussions for the Salesian Family throughout 2024 in relation to the Strenna of the Dream of Nine Years. The day concluded with a message of gratitude from the organizing team, who described the symbols contained in the pilgrim's kit, underscoring the importance of these signs on the journey of faith.

In this context of dialogue and spirituality, the Salesian Family Spirituality Days represented an important opportunity to strengthen bonds and renew commitment to Salesian values, making each participant aware of their role within a global and supportive community. With hearts full of hope, the members of the Salesian Family returned to their everyday realities, carrying with them the inspiration and energy of these unforgettable days.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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