Turin (Italy). The Solemnity of St. John Bosco, a feast in honor of the Father and Teacher of youth, is celebrated on 31 January in communion with the whole Salesian world.
On 29 January 2021, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin-Valdocco (Italy), a prayer vigil was held in honor of the Saint of Youth, with the presence of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime. The celebration recalls the essential nuclei of Strenna 2021 “Moved by hope:” Behold, I make all things new “(Rev 21:5), and some testimonies are presented of young people who participated in the event “Economy of Francis”.
The Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Guido Errico, SDB introduces the moment of testimonies by saying: “Tonight we want to make the theme of hope resound, as an opportunity for reflection and for the future for many children and young people who have represented the city of Turin and Piedmont at this universal event. “
Gregorio, a young entrepreneur who takes care of two family businesses, recalling the Gospel verse – “whoever welcomes even one of these children in my name welcomes me” (Mt 18:5) – expresses his closeness to the least of the existential peripheries by saying : “We don’t think for them, but we think with them. It is the revolution of the Gospel, which asks us to be with the poor.” Gregorio talks about the concrete experience of collaboration with a company in difficulty which, together with his wife, they decided to trust in order to grow together.
Daniele, President of the Youth Group of the Christian Entrepreneurs and Executives Union (UCID), coordinated the group of young Turinese participating in the event and made his contribution to the “Agriculture and Justice” Village. He told of two young Piedmontese who lived the virtue of hope in their career choices, giving up their careers to follow ethical ideals.
Gabriele, coordinator of the “Management and gift” group underlined the need to recognize the possibilities that the Lord opens on the journey, to face moments of difficulty, certain that “Christian hope is already certainty.”
Sara, participated in the Economy of Francis as a change-maker and said that the event was a huge embrace for her and that “the world entered the house”, because she began to dialogue with young people from many countries to think about a better economy and society. “In the village to which I belong, we have the motto of leaving no one behind and Don Bosco’s worn-out habit is a symbol of this. If at the end of our day our clothing is a little worn, it will mean that we have left room for others.”
The testimonies are interspersed with episodes on the life and mission of Don Bosco: the first meeting of Felice Reviglia with the environment of Valdocco, which gives him the opportunity to look at Don Bosco with the eyes of poor children, privileged recipients of his pastoral care; the episode of the multiplication of consecrated hosts during the celebration of a Solemnity; the last years of the Saint’s life, in which the doctor invites him to absolute rest by saying: “You are very worn-out clothing”.
The prayer vigil ended with the Good Night of the Rector Major who said: “This evening the young people told stories of miracles of everyday life. Here in Valdocco, we saw one of these miracles being born with a young priest who gathered some boys. When Don Bosco was here in 1847, one could not even imagine what the Spirit would do through him and today there is a large family in the Church and throughout the world: even small things have great development, which does not depend on us, but on God.” Fr. Ángel then invited us to thank the Lord for the gift of faith and the hope that nourishes faith.
“When we look at Don Bosco’s life experience, we realize that hope is a plant with deep roots that start from afar; roots that grow stronger through difficult seasons and paths that require a lot of sacrifice”.
(Strenna 2021 – Moved by hope: “Behold, I make all things new” Rev 21:5)
