Each group averaged 150 participants. Having occupied every available space in the Don Bosco Alpine Village, neighboring houses were also used to accommodate all the participants. The manner in which these days were organized was the result of several years experience, with improvements made each successive occasion.
The older children of family couples and other young people (high school or university students) prepare themselves during the year with the guidance of more experienced animators. They take care of the large group of younger children who are divided into three groups: nursery, kindergarten, elementary and junior high. Parents thus entrust their children to the group of animators; a rich educational experience is offered or created for both those animate and those who are animated.
The adult couples are this given the opportunity to devote their day to listening, praying, enjoying the silence, and sharing. This year's guiding theme was the bliss of the heart - joyful, ardent, open, and pure - with the light that also shines from the centenary of Fatima's apparitions. Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, the world-level ADMA animator, led the way. One of the most beautiful aspects, one that gave great strength to the entire experience, was the sharing of life's experiences between participating families – from profound moments of sharing the walk of faith to the mutual aid offered in meeting the needs of everyday life (meals, housekeeping, etc).
During the second week, there was a very welcome presence of 24 ADMA members from Spain who wished to share part of the journey, while contemplating the possibility of similar journeys being proposed in their own country, too.
Finally, significant was the participation of some Salesians and FMAs who shared and animated the experience, sharing a wealth of experience from their own journeys of Salesian faith and spirituality with participating laity and consecrated people.
ADMA, or the Association of Mary Help of Christians, of Turin Valdocco is composed of families who share the challenges and difficulties families face today, families who find the strength in the Eucharist, and in their dedication to Mary Help of Christians, to walk along their domestic paths as Christians. Several families have three, four and even more children, and the communion created between the participants and those now beginning the journey of marriage life becomes a beautiful school of life which supports and accompanies even those who, for various reasons, find themselves facing greater difficulties.
