One could say, then, that Francis de Sales, both in his most representative works (Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God) and in his continuous pastoral praxis, presents himself on the scene of the history of the Church as one of the most representative forerunners of what Vatican II calls the "universal vocation to holiness" (chapter 5 of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium).
In his major works, as much as in his epistolary, Francis exhorts, invites, urges us to become aware that holiness is not in itself linked to a particular state of life, but - insisting directly on the baptismal dimension of belonging to Christ - is a requirement demanded by being members of the Church. It is a holiness for everyone as Pope Francis often reminds us: “We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.” (Gaudete et exsultate n.14).
From Don Bosco to the present day, there is a tradition of holiness that deserves attention, because it is the incarnation of the charism that originated with him and that expressed itself in a plurality of states of life and forms. It is a question of men and women, young people and adults, consecrated and lay people, bishops and missionaries who, in historical, cultural and social contexts differing in time and space, have made the Salesian charism shine with a singular light, representing a heritage that plays an effective role in the life and community of believers and for people of goodwill.
In the course of 2022, in addition to commemorating the IV Centenary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales (Lyon, 28 December 1622), there are also other significant recurrences:
- 175th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Magdalene Morano, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (Chieri, November 15, 1847).
- 150th of the birth of Blessed Joseph Calasanz (Azanuy - Spain, 23 November 1872), leader of the martyrs of Spain.
- 125th of the death of Venerable Andrea Beltrami, Salesian of Don Bosco (Turin-Valsalice, 30 December 1897).
- 100th of the birth of the Servant of God Rosetta Marchese, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (Aosta, 20 October 1922).
- 50th of the death of the Servant of God Giuseppe Cognata (Pellaro - Reggio Calabria, 22 July 1972), Salesian bishop, founder of the Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart.
- 50th anniversary of the Beatification of Michael Rua (Rome, 29 October 1972).
- 50th of the death of Venerable Attilio Giordani (Campo Grande - Brazil, 18 December 1972), Salesian Cooperator.
The Salesian Family intends to revive the great theme of the universal call to holiness, spotlighting the variety and multiplicity of vocations present in the Groups of this great charismatic Family.
Fr Cameroni's complete speech is available at the bottom of the page in Italian (Report and Summary Presentation) and in English (Report).
