austraLasia #2080

Moments (and places) of Salesian interest

ROME: 2nd March 2008 -- It is Sunday in Rome, the GC26 Retreat is being brought to a close with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Angelo Amato sdb, and this writer has chosen to use the occasion when the heavily burdened radio link on which our telecommunications rely is free! When all 230 plus members are online, many of them using Skype, it becomes a little difficult, but people are learning to spread their usage a little, and it is gradually becoming more manageable.
    Last night the provincial of ICP, who has overall responsibility for places belonging to the Salesian charism around Piedmont, spoke of the past but also plans for the immediate future with regard to these hallowed spots.  Some 34,000 people came through Valdocco, at least registered as as pilgrims in 2007. Many more who just wander through.  He made special mention of  one Australian school - it is St Joseph's College from Ferntree Gully in Melbourne, actually heading up there right at the moment - which has for the past two years set up a twin arrangement, to bring a group of their students through.  Of course much larger numbers attend special festive moments, something closer to 400,000 people, largely from Italy or other parts of Europe. At Colle, 300,000 have passed through as pilgrims, while as many as 600,000 attend the festive occasions which inlude Sunday Mass, feast days and picnics. Overnight stays include 20,000 people in the course of a year, using 2007 as the yardstick.
    There are two 'projects' (to use a favourite Italian word!), one cnetred on Valdocco and the other on Colle, though they do overlap, and need to be regarded as a single project.  The fundamental and driving notion is to offer a personal and communal experience in a calm, hospitable environment which draws its inspiration from and encourages people to be inspired by Don Bosco.
    In some ways Chieri has been the Cinderella in the middle, but there are moves afoot!  Café Pianta is under restoration for Salesian use and the latest news is that half of Villa Moglia (between Chieri and Colle) will be given to the Salesians - the half, undoubtedly, of central interest including the young John Bosco's room there, the well, even the tree under which he sat to teach catechism.... and the last time I looked, I think the rickety seat there must go back to this time too! Anyone going to that area should not miss Chieri and surrounds.
    If all this is to develop its international flavour, it will require people, confrères who can lend a little time to lead groups and develop the attendant programmes of Salesian spirituality.
    Archbishop Amato this morning, in addition to his direct reflections on the readings, especially the Gospel of today, called on the General Chapter to respond to the confidence the Holy Father and the Church place in the Salesian apostolate: "Like Don Bosco, let us continue the noble tradition of fidelity to the Church, obedience tot he Holy Father, collaboration with bishops, and dialogue and collaboratiin with all people of good will".
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 AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific.  It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome.  For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . Use Bosconet-wiki to be interactive. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2008 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there.  Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at at http://sdl.sdb.org

Title: australasia 2080
Subject and key words: SDB General GC26 Piedmont
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2080