Salesian Family Spirituality Days 2024

Turin (Italy). Valdocco is preparing to welcome the 42nd edition of the Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family (GSFS), from 18 to 21 January 2024, the traditional event that aims to revive Salesian Spirituality in its fundamental dimensions, from the Strenna 2024 of the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, on the theme: “The dream that makes us dream”. A heart that transforms “wolves” into “lambs”.

In Valdocco, at the Mother House of the Salesians of Don Bosco, about 350 participants are expected and, in addition to the Rector Major and his General Council, various Superiors, Major Leaders, and almost all representatives of the 32 Groups of the Salesian Family.

Also present will be the Superior General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, with the Vicar, Sister María del Rosario García Ribas; Sister Leslie Sándigo, Councilor for the Salesian Family; Sister Ausilia De Siena, Councilor for Communication; Sister Ruth del Pilar Mora, Councilor for Missions; and Sister Phyllis Neves, Visiting Councilor.

The activities will be coordinated by the Secretariat of the Salesian Family, by Fr. Joan Lluis Playà, SDB, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Secretariat of the Salesian Family; by Mr. Domenico Duc Nam Nguyen, SDB, World Delegate for the Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators; Sister Lucrecia Uribe, FMA, World Delegate ADMA and the Salesian Cooperators; Sister Gabriela Patiño Osorio, FMA, Delegate of the World Confederation Mornese FMA Past Pupils, with all the team that worked on the preparation.

The Days will take place “in presence” in Valdocco, with some moments accessible to all through online links, in particular, Eucharistic Celebrations, studies, round tables, and experiences.

Program

The Days will open on the morning of Thursday, January 18 with the reception of the participants. In the afternoon, after the welcome greetings, we will enter into the heart of the work with the presentation of the Strenna by the Rector Major. The Mass in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and, after dinner, the Marian prayer in the Basilica will close the day.

On 19 January, after the prayer of Lauds, a round table will be held with the deepening of the Strenna. At the end, the participants will be divided into groups with the speakers: Fr Bruno Ferrero, SDB, Director of the Salesian Bulletin, Fr Rafael Bejarano, SDB, from the Salesian Youth Ministry Sector, Ms. Blazka Merkac, Ms. Emilce Cuda and Mr. Tullio Lucca, moderator. In the afternoon there will be visits to Salesian places, sharing in groups, and the Eucharistic Celebration. The day will end with Eucharistic adoration in the Basilica.

At the center of the morning of Saturday 20, there will be youth experiences on the theme “Transforming wolves into lambs”. “Dreams that become reality” is instead the theme of the afternoon, which will take place through insights and Salesian visits. The evening in fraternity, animated by the SDB Novices of Colle Don Bosco, will be “Around the Rector Major”, to thank with joy and in the family spirit that distinguishes the Salesian Family, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, whom Pope Francis asked to serve the Church as Cardinal, for his paternity, closeness, animation, since these are his ‘last’ Days as Rector Major.

The last day, Sunday 21 January, will open with the prayer of Lauds and Holy Mass at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. It will continue with a gathering by membership groups, an assembly time, and final conclusions.

The worldwide activities will be broadcast live on Salesian Family YouTube Channel in five languages (Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese), according to the program.

For information and updates: www.famigliasalesiana.org