The day’s activities were held at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), the venue for this year’s Consultation. They were initiated by Fr Andrea Bozzolo, Rector Magnificus of UPS, who addressed the assembly not only as the host but also as a participant in the recent Synod on Synodality, held at the Vatican in multiple sessions between 2021 and 2024.

In his address, Fr Bozzolo presented the final document of the Synod, providing a detailed analysis of its five chapters. He highlighted, as a general observation, that the most significant innovation of the Synod on Synodality was the shift in perspective, viewing the synod no longer as a one-time event but as an ongoing process.

Fr Bozzolo then focused specifically on another major synodal innovation: the “Conversation in the Spirit.” This approach, which was also used during the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, involves a method of dialogic encounter that includes “personal preparation through prayer and organising one’s thoughts; group discussions where participants share their views and listen to others; sharing what resonated most deeply within one’s spirit; and gathering points of convergence, divergences, prophetic insights, and further questions.”

The richness, depth, and effectiveness of the “Conversation in the Spirit” were directly experienced by the participants shortly afterwards, in group discussions centred on Article 10 of the Salesian Family Charter of Identity.

In the afternoon, the Major Superiors, leaders, and delegates of the various Salesian Family groups, under the coordination of Fr Joan Luis Playà, the Rector Major’s Delegate for the SF, visited the offices of the Salesian General Postulation centre. Guided by Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, and Fr Gabriel Cruz, a member of the Postulation team, the participants toured the newly renovated spaces. They explored and revisited the various dimensions of Salesian holiness, reflecting on the fact that currently, half of the SF groups (16 out of 32) have a member who has either been canonized or is on the path to sainthood.

Returning to the UPS in the evening, the participants attended an informational session where Fr Bozzolo and Sr Piera Ruffinato, Dean of the Auxilium Faculty, outlined the educational opportunities available at both institutions. This was followed by the common recitation of Vespers.

During the traditional “Salesian Good Night,” the members of the Consultation continued their reflection on the holiness inspired by Don Bosco. They listened to the insights of Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), who spoke about Sr Maria Troncatti, whose canonization date is set to be announced shortly, on Friday, 13 June. Mother Chiara’s address focused on the motto chosen by the FMA Institute for the canonization: “Mother, Missionary, Artisan of Peace and Reconciliation.” She elaborated on the specific values and diverse meanings embedded in each term.

The Consultation of the Salesian Family resumed on the morning of Friday, 6 June, with the formal presentation of the various groups and their representatives to the assembly. This was followed by an address by Fr Playà, who introduced the new guidebook entitled “Animation and Accompaniment in the Salesian Family.”

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