The 2025 edition of the World Consultation of the Salesian Family, held in Rome in the context of the Jubilee, sees 28 of the 32 groups directly represented. Most groups are represented by more than one member, bringing the total number of participants – including staff from the Secretariat for the Salesian Family – to approximately 50 people, making it one of the most widely attended editions of all time.

The event began on Tuesday, 3 June, at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) with a welcome reception for participants and a time for orientation and acclimatisation. The official activities commenced on the morning of Wednesday, 4 June, when all participants participated in the Papal audience in the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV. This moment provided a profound sense of ecclesial and Salesian communion in the context of the Jubilee of Hope. During the audience, the Superior Generals, leaders, and delegates of the various SF groups were acknowledged with a special greeting over the public address system as part of the official acknowledgements in St Peter’s Square.

The members of the Consultation remained within the Vatican grounds for the rest of the day. Later in the morning, they met with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (DIVCSVA) and former Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation (2014–2024). Drawing on his previous role, Cardinal Fernández Artime is well-acquainted with the nature, purpose, and spirit of the World Consultation.

In an atmosphere of warmth and cordiality, the Salesian cardinal greeted the participants and introduced them to the Prefect of the DIVCSVA, Sr Simona Brambilla. He also guided them on a tour of the Dicastery’s offices. Later, at the Chapel of the Franciscan Sisters in the Vatican, the Pro-Prefect presided over a Eucharistic celebration. Reflecting on the work the Consultation was about to undertake, he emphasized the importance of having a free heart as a fundamental condition for leaving room for God’s action.

The day reached its spiritual peak in the early afternoon, with a Jubilee pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica. This was experienced in a spirit of prayer and Salesian fraternity, with each participant representing a specific charism and pastoral focus, yet united by Don Bosco’s spirituality and dedication to the service of young people and the Church.

In the evening, the group returned to UPS for the common recitation of Vespers and the traditional “Salesian Good Night” offered by the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard. On this occasion, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco shared three significant reflections:

“A Church that goes out” – Fr Attard recalled the invitation to be “a Church that goes out,” a hallmark of Pope Francis’ pontificate. He emphasised that for the Salesian Family, this call translates into a specific appeal to walk alongside the younger generations. Change in proposals – He highlighted the necessity for change in the ways the Salesian mission is proposed and implemented, noting that “yesterday’s answers no longer work today because the questions have changed.” He urged everyone to remain attentive to “the surprises that the Lord prepares for us.” Fixing our gaze on Jesus – Finally, Fr Attard underlined the importance of keeping one’s gaze firmly fixed on Jesus as the foundation of being true believers, convincing witnesses, and credible leaders. “God is with us, but are we with Him?” he provocatively asked.

With these insights planted in the hearts of all present, the first fruitful day of the World Consultation of the Salesian Family came to a close.

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