The session began at 4:00 pm with a moment of prayer and an invocation to the Holy Spirit, inviting the capitulars to entrust themselves fully to God during this process of discernment. Shortly afterward, the Moderator of the General Chapter, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, opened the proceedings by emphasizing the importance of living this week with complete openness and a willingness to embrace God’s plan.

Following this, the President of the General Chapter, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, introduced Fr. Amedeo Cencini to the assembly, describing him as a spiritual guide of profound experience, uniquely equipped to accompany this significant moment with wisdom and insight.

Fr. Amedeo Cencini’s Insights: Hope as the Heart of Discernment

In his address, Fr. Cencini delivered a very meaningful reflection on the theme “Passionate for Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young,” connecting it to the present-day realities of the Church and society. He underlined how hope serves as the guiding horizon for the General Chapter and as a vital element in confronting the challenges of the modern world.

Fr. Cencini encouraged the capitulars to view discernment as a process intrinsically linked to hope, explaining:

• Discernment is hoping: Discernment can only occur within the framework of hope, which provides energy, fosters trust, and empowers courageous decision-making.
• Hoping is discernment: Authentic hope, grounded in faith, is not passive waiting but a confident trust in God that gives us the courage to take risks and dare boldly, as Don Bosco did.

He went on to highlight that hope is a faith that evolves into trust and generates prophecy, transforming life even in moments of crisis. In particular, he emphasized the need to cultivate a hope that knows how to "hope against hope," as St. Paul teaches us (Romans 4:18), especially in times of difficulty for the Church and Consecrated Life.

Vespers and Adoration: A Spiritual Conclusion

After the profound reflection, the evening continued with the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica at 7:30 pm, offering a moment of deep spiritual communion.

Following dinner, the capitulars reconvened in the Church of St. Francis de Sales for an intense moment of Eucharistic Adoration, marked by a spirit of prayer and discernment. This spiritual practice was essential preparation for the journey ahead in the coming days. The Adoration provided an opportunity for the participants to entrust the work of the General Chapter to God and to open their hearts fully to the illuminating presence of the Holy Spirit.

A Promising Beginning

The evening concluded in an atmosphere of silence and meditation, leaving the capitulars with a heightened awareness of the importance of spiritual discernment. This initial step signals the start of a week dedicated to prayer and reflection, during which the Salesian Family worldwide will be united in prayer to support the General Chapter.

Discernment is hoping, and hoping is discernment: this profound truth will serve as the guiding principle for the work in the days ahead. It is a reminder that every decision must be illuminated by the light of the Holy Spirit and oriented toward the good of the young, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.

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