4272(I)_VDB 100 Celebrations are going on (1917-2017)

'Your first work by having in your first the love of the Lord'

January 30, 2017

By Miriam A., VDB
From 'Crescere' (VDB Formation magazine, 2016. issue 4)

VDB -- With the new year 2017 many initiative of the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) - Salesian Family secular institute founded by Blessed Fr. Philip Rinaldi are coming out. Next May 20 many VDB members from all parts of the world will gather at Valdocco with their Ecclesiastical Assistants and ex-Assistants to give thanks and praise for this wonderful vocation in the Salesian Family.

"On the foosteps of Fr. Rinaldi many VDB made already their pilgrimage to the courtyard of Valdocco, at the foot of the monument of Don Bosco to exchange their impressions and sentiments. Our pilgrime group shared about

• What has pushed Fr. Rinaldi to propose new Church paths for the women 100 years ago?


• What did the first VDB sisters have and what did they not have?


• Why did Fr Rinaldi send them to the world while they could have been able to think simply to foster the Girls Oratory at Valdocco?"



"Yes, Fr. Rinaldi discovered the potential of women in the Church and their witnessing in the society, that in the spirit of Don Bosco is able to generate new life! In his wide and farsighted glance the Founder projected 'an outgoing Church' while 'living the consecration in the heart of the world'".

"Fr Rinaldi was telling us 'The Oratory is in you!' It does mean that we as VDB carry the Salesian spirit, the Oratorian lifestyle as a way of living, of praying, of discerning, of dialogue and of being Christians!"

In the EAO region are present about 120 VDB and their attractive and not-so-easy vocation is slowly growing in 10 countries. Thanks to this Centenary celebration their visibility is improving also in the digital continent: FB VDB HK and many more initiatives.

English version of the VDB 'Crescere' formation resource magazine is available on the BOSCOLINK