In the letter of convocation, the Salesian Family Secretariat invites all groups to prepare for a spiritual experience capable of renewing faith and strengthening the unity of the charism. The Strenna proposed by the Rector Major, which will guide the entire journey of the Days, looks at Mary’s attitude at the wedding in Cana: a faith that listens, that entrusts itself, that makes us free and available for service. A concrete faith, which shaped the life of Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello, the first missionaries and the many members of the Salesian Family who over time have been able to transform daily dedication into credible witness.
The programme will open on Thursday 15 January with the welcome, the opening session and the presentation of the Strenna by the Rector Major, moments that will mark the official start of the Days. The celebration of the Eucharist in the Basilica and the fraternity evening will introduce the style that has always characterised this event: a balance of prayer, reflection and communion.
The day of Friday 16th will be dedicated to a biblical and theological exploration of the theme, with a lectio divina led by Deacon Paolo De Martino and the subsequent sharing in language groups, a precious space for a realistic dialogue on the challenges of faith today. In the afternoon, the programme will offer participants some proposals to get to know better the figure of the new saint Sister Maria Troncatti, with a guided visit to the exhibition ‘The Wings of Maria Troncatti’ and a theatrical study on the figure of the FMA missionary. The Eucharistic celebration will take place in the church of St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo and will enhance the memory of this illustrious Piedmontese saint, thus marking the rooting of Salesian spirituality in the great tradition of social charity that characterises Turin. Finally, the prayer vigil organised by the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) will close the day.
Saturday 17th January will be dedicated to confrontation with the reality of young people and lay groups: the morning will be reserved for the dialogue on how to awaken and accompany the faith of boys and girls, also making use of testimonies and good practices already in place. In the afternoon there will be a remembrance of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Cooperators, with celebrations of the past and a look at the present and the future - accompanied by a special exhibition on the lay groups born in the Salesian Family. A fraternal evening will conclude the day under the banner of Salesian joy.
The last day, Sunday 18th January, will offer the participants a moment of rereading and summary: after the morning prayer and the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Rector Major, the assembly will move towards the final evaluations, first with discussion in small groups and then in the last assembly gathering, before the final sending off, with the invitation for all to live their faith as openness to daily service, especially in favour of the most fragile young people.
For those who wish to register, the registration procedure for the Salesian Family's Days of Spirituality must be completed online by 14 December, website www.famigliasalesiana.org.
The Secretariat also encourages the Provinces to organise online versions of the Days or, alternatively, to jointly follow the live broadcasts of the most important moments of the Turin events, which will be transmitted in five languages (Italian, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese), enhancing the spirit of communion proper to the Salesian Family and making use of the materials and resources made available specifically on the Salesian Family website.
