4978(II)_Outreaching holiness of the Salesian Family

4978(II)_Outreaching holiness of the Salesian Family

January 12, 2019

By Our Own Correspondent


Valdocco, Italy, 12 January 2019 -- The third day of the 37th SF Spirituality Days at Valdocco (January 12) is already inspiring the 300 plus participants to take some concrete steps on the journey to holiness. While on the previous evening Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni after the evening prayer service distributed to each SF member a picture of one holy member of the Salesian family, today the whole day was a good opportunity to explore the everyday holiness of the lay, consecrated, religious or missionary members of our large spiritual and apostolic family.


In the morning session Prof. Francesc Torralba (Spain, Barcelona) share his deep philosophical - theological insights in the 'outreaching spirituality' of Pope Francis in our contemporary complex world. Then followed two personal testimonials by Ms Elisa (Youth) and Sr Lucy, FMA on youth today. Among the many video testimonials shared, also appreciated was one from Card. Louis Tagle (Manila) on the 'synod process' and one simple Indonesian Muslim lady open to sharing with believers of other religions. Today a number of confreres from Korea and Japan followed proceedings on the FB LIVE internet broadcasting.


As was the case last year, this time too the 'open forum' (round table or panel sharing) was among the most appreciated programs: on concrete experience of holiness where contributors were Ms Rosa Baglieri (elder sister of Servant of God, Nino Baglieri, Italy), Mr Antonio Boccia (World Coordinator of Salesian Cooperators, Italy), Mr Michal Hort (World President of Don Bosco Past Pupils, Slovakia), Bro. Pedro Ayer, SDB (Spain), Novice Giovanni, SDB (Italy), Nov. Sara, FCMN (Uruguay), Mr Giuliao, ADMA (Italy) and Ms Maria Grazia, ASC (Italy). Together with some video testimonials the assembly enjoyed the personal experience of sharing living models of Salesian holiness, obstacles on the way and personal hints on how to foster effective growth as Salesian Family members in a contagious joyful life witness. The EAO regional councilor was entrusted with moderation of this 60 minute program and also shared the FIN province tradition of ending each encounter with an already traditional greeting: "Serve the Lord - With holy Joy!"


While on day two, group sharing was in language groups, on day three the participants split into simple workshop groups in their own SF group and shared the striking experiences of these daysm discerning possible resolutions for this year.


After the last supper, the evening program concluded with the much anticipated Musical 'Gio', prepared by the Salesian Youth Movement in Piedmont-Val D'Aosta Province (ICP). Tomorrow, the final day will be the Sunday Eucharist celebrated by the Rector Major in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians.


Both Eucharist (9:30 AM) and the concluding session (11:00) will be available in Italian, Spanish and English through LIVE streaming on the ANS Facebook pages.


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