The theme chosen for the Spiritual Exercises, on this 400th anniversary of the death of St. Francis de Sales - patron of the Salesian Congregation and a native of Annecy itself - was: "Loving God above all things, with St. Francis de Sales." Leading the work was Fr. Morand Wirth, SDB, a distinguished scholar of Salesian spirituality and for years a lecturer at the Salesian Pontifical University of Rome (UPS).

During the days of reflection, meditation and discernment, the preacher was able to present the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales with great wisdom and profound knowledge, guiding the Rector Major and the other members of the General Council also in visits to the most significant places linked to the figure of the Savoyard saint.

Thanks to the coordination of the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, this year the Spiritual Exercises of the General Council were divided into two basic daily phases, one in the morning, devoted to prayer, lectures by Fr. Wirth, and subsequent personal meditations; and one in the afternoon, dedicated to the celebration of the community Eucharist and visits to the historical places of the life of St. Francis de Sales - such as Thorens, the castle of Allinges and Thonon, the Cathedral of Geneva...

On Saturday, July 2, the group set off on a spiritual itinerary that touched on Ars, the city of the famous Saint Curé John Mary Vianney; and Paray-le-Monial, known as the city of the Sacred Heart of Jesus where the Visitandine St. Margaret Mary Alacoque had her visions of Jesus, after which the feast day was instituted. At this location, the General Council was also able to celebrate the Eucharist together.

In the afternoon, the journey continued to Lyon, but not before also touching on the ecumenical spirituality center of Taizé and the abbey of Cluny.

Yesterday, Sunday, July 3, the Rector Major and the other members of the Council had the opportunity to get to know and visit yet another place rich in religious history, Chambery, and then returned to Turin-Valdocco, where starting today they resume in ordinary form the work of the summer plenum.

The days of Spiritual Exercises were privileged moments of prayer, reflection, and fraternal sharing, in the ever timely memory of St. Francis de Sales. They also provided a good opportunity to continue to deepen the theme of the Strenna for 2022, on the theme, "Do all through love, nothing through constraint."

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