Don Francesco Cereda, Moderator of the Chapter introduced these days of prayer, reflection and spirituality. He focussed on the profound significance of this experience which will lead the chapter members right into the heart of Don Bosco, following on their pilgrimage to the Salesian places and the presentation of the reports from the departments and regions. “What we shall listen to”,  he pointed out, “are not talks of a technical nature, but rather meditations on the Word of God and on our Salesian tradition which will help us to open our hearts to the action of the Holy Spirit.”

The preacher of the retreat is Don Plascencia Moncayo José Luis, vice dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Salesian Pontifical University and rector of the ‘San Tommaso’ community for the formation of deacons. In his meditations Don Plascencia will develop from day to day some of the outstanding features of the Salesian charism. The introductory meditation on the theme of ‘Hope’ is intended  to help the chapter members to look confidently at today’s reality, so as to identify new strategies and ways of  presence among young people, without allowing ourselves to be overshadowed by pessimistic attitudes such as we often find at present.

The themes of the other meditations are: today: ‘Mystic nature of the charism: Da mihi animas’ and ‘Ascetical nature of the charism: Cetera tolle’; tomorrow: ‘It is not enough just to love - Showing love’, and ‘Freely giving - Grace – Eucharist’; Saturday: ‘Predilection for the little ones’, and ‘Return to Don Bosco’. The last meditation, in accordance with our Salesian tradition, will be devoted to ‘ Mary, Mother and Teacher’.

The retreat will end on Sunday morning 2nd March with a celebration of the Eucharist when the principal celebrant will be the Salesian Mgr Angelo Amato, Secretary of the Congregation for Doctrine and Faith.

Published 28/02/2008