Cardinal Amato gave a homily in familiar conversational tone, and continued his reflection later in his talk on the pastoral dimension and the ecclesial significance of the Causes of Saints. He presented the saints as "the real theologians," who do not theorize but live the human and supernatural reality of faith.
His reflection focused particularly on the twin track of a cause: the canonical process and the pastoral aspect. Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General of the Salesian Family, had already paid attention to these issues in his talk which offered a clear overview of the status of the causes of the blessed and the saints of the Salesian Family. He also made an explicit call for greater attention and a greater commitment in this area.
Highly significant in this regard were the magnificent experiences described by Sr Sylwia Ciezkowska, vice-postulator for the causes of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; Sr Elizabeth Alvarez Pavón of the Centro Histórico-Teológico “Beata María Romero” in Costa Rica; Fr Paul Ripaud on Venerable Camille Costa de Beauregard; and Dr Maria Rita Scrimieri, a Salesian Cooperator, on the Da mihi animas, cetera tolle Centre for Spirituality which was started in the house of Blessed Alexandrina da Costa in Balasar, Portugal.
The afternoon was spent in sharing experiences and initiatives to promote the causes of beatification and canonization, and the day ended with the Goodnight given by Mother Philomena Mathew, superior of the Missionaries of Mary Help of Christians.
