(ANS – Rome) – The Days of Spirituality of the Salesian Family have been an unmissable appointment for more than forty years for all those who recognize themselves in the charism of Don Bosco. They are an opportunity to share dreams, hopes, and expectations and, this year especially, an opportunity to get to know and deepen the lay dimension of the Salesian Family and hear the message of the Strenna for the New Year from the living voice of the Rector Major himself. It is, ultimately, an opportunity to tap into the roots of one’s being “of Don Bosco.”
The 2023 Days of Spirituality of the Salesian Family (GSFS) will be held in Turin-Valdocco from January 12 to 15 with some moments made accessible to all through digital links: specifically, the 9 a.m. morning Mass and the afternoon sessions from 3 to 5:30 p.m. (UTC+1).
A total of about 250 people are expected at the Salesian Motherhouse – many of whom have already officially registered for the event – and in addition to the Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, all the members of his General Council, several Superiors and Major Leaders, and representatives of almost all 32 groups of the Salesian Family will be present.
“We wish to fulfill a beautiful experience of Salesian life, of sharing among all of us and of reflection on the Rector Major’s Strenna,” commented Fr. Joan Lluís Playá, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Secretariat of the Salesian Family.
The days will begin in the morning of Thursday 12 with the welcoming of guests and visits to Valdocco and the Casa Don Bosco Museum for those who wish. In the afternoon, after the introductory activities and welcome greetings, we will immediately get into the swing of things with the presentation of the Strenna by Fr. Á.F. Artime. Mass in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesian “goodnight” will close the day.
Friday the 13th will open with Mass in the Basilica and a reflection session in the membership groups for the various members of the Salesian Family; in the afternoon, there will be a round table discussion with various experts with the possibility of questions also from the different Regions of the Salesian world, as well as a subsequent debate for the participants in attendance. The evening will be rounded off with the community experience of the “Via Lucis,” a liturgical-devotional path born precisely in the Salesian Family.
Saturday morning’s activities will proceed similarly to those of the previous day; in the afternoon, however, the assembly session will include an in-depth discussion on Salesian holiness, followed by the youth moment during which various good practices of service will be shared with young members of Salesian Family groups, and finally the fraternity evening.
The last day will also open with the morning Mass from the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, continue with a gathering by membership groups, an assembly moment with the presentation and greeting of a new World Leader, and final evaluations and conclusions by Fr. Playá and the Rector Major.
In anticipation of this appointment, several animators of the various groups of the Salesian Family issued their invitations to participate, and reminded everyone of the need to register, for all those who wish to be there in attendance, through the appropriate link.
“You cannot miss it! It is indeed Don Bosco who is waiting for you in his house, in Valdocco, from January 12 to 15, 2023, to recharge your enthusiasm to bring in your daily life, in your mission to the young people and all those you will meet,”
– Mrs. Tiziana Basciu, of the Salesian Cooperators, concludes enthusiastically.
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”