France - October 2022 - The year of the fourth centenary of the death of St. Francis de Sales has left a vivid imprint in the hearts of many members of the Salesian Family. The pilgrimage to the homeland of the Salesian spirit, held last October 2-4, involved more than a hundred Salesian Cooperators from Slovakia. The visit to the places, accompanied by a deepening of the importance and relevance of St. Francis de Sales, touched the hearts of the pilgrims. Three intense days found their content in the profound choices of the holy Bishop of Geneva. Inspired by him, the Salesian Cooperators reflected on three important decisions: the choice of goodness and gentleness in everything and in spite of everything; the choice of simplicity and poverty oriented for the service of souls; and the choice of abandonment to God's will with full trust in His love. "Accompanied by sunny weather, we experienced these days as if they were a caress from God," commented one of the participants. After two years, marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, this pilgrimage was a true revival of life in communion.

Fr. Pavol Grach
Salesian Family Delegate