Morning Session: Lectio Divina
The morning of Friday, 16 January 2026, opened with a lectio divina led by Deacon Paolo De Martino, centered on the Gospel passage of the Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1–11). Entitled “The Gospel Is a Celebration,” the meditation offered a deep and timely rereading of the text, highlighting how God enters the concrete and everyday lives of people to transform them—the “water” of humanity—into the new wine of joy, through faith, listening, and service.
This was an intense moment of prayer and interior reflection, fully in harmony with the theme of the Strenna 2026, which then led into the subsequent language-based group work and the concluding prayer of the morning.
Paths of Holiness and Salesian Memory
In the early afternoon, participants in the 44th GSFS were able to choose from three different proposals, designed to deepen their knowledge of figures of holiness and the roots of the Salesian charism.
One group followed a presentation dedicated to the new saint of the Salesian Family, Saint Maria Troncatti, FMA, canonized on 19 October 2025, together with the testimony of the Servant of God – Akash Bashir, a young Pakistani former Salesian student who ten years ago sacrificed his life to prevent a suicide bomber from entering Saint John’s Church in Lahore, saving hundreds of faithful. This journey highlighted a holiness lived in total self-giving and daily fidelity to the Gospel.
A second group visited the historic center of Turin, at the Church of Santa Maria di Piazza, home to the permanent exhibition “Towards the Other,” dedicated to Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, canonized on 7 September 2025. Through an immersive and multimedia itinerary, participants retraced Frassati’s life, spirituality, and human and Christian commitment—from the streets of Turin to the Alps—symbolizing his constant striving “towards the heights.”
A third group visited the Don Bosco House Museum in Valdocco, retracing the places of the Oratory’s origins and the development of the Salesian work, up to the most intimate spaces of Don Bosco’s life. The visit fostered a living and meaningful encounter with the historical and spiritual roots of the Salesian mission.
The Faith of Saint Maria Troncatti
The second part of the afternoon was enriched by the testimony of Sr. Francesca Caggiano, FMA, who offered a reflection entitled “The Faith of Maria Troncatti,” presenting the saint as a woman who “saw God” and served Him with joy.
In her address, Sr. Caggiano highlighted how the life of Saint Maria Troncatti was marked by a deep and active faith, lived through trust, interior freedom, and service. As a missionary in Ecuador among the Shuar people and the settlers of the Amazon region, Sr. Maria embodied a concrete Salesian holiness—rooted in prayer, educational dedication, and care for both body and soul—culminating in the total gift of her life offered for reconciliation and peace, in full harmony with the theme of the Strenna 2026.
The Eucharistic Celebration at the Cottolengo
In the evening, the day continued with the Eucharistic celebration at the main church of the Little House of Divine Providence – Cottolengo, experienced in a spirit of deep fraternity and ecclesial communion. The Holy Mass represented a meaningful encounter between charisms, bringing together the Salesian Family and the Cottolengo Family around the Eucharist.
At the conclusion of the celebration, a brief testimony by Sr. Maria Teresa recalled the heart of the Cottolengo charism, founded on trust in Divine Providence. It was a simple yet profound moment, a sign of a Church that walks together in charity and hope.
The “Good Night” Address by Antonio Boccia
The day concluded with Marian prayer in the basilica, followed by the traditional “Good Night” message, entrusted to Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators Association. Drawing once again on the Gospel of the Wedding at Cana, Boccia reflected on Mary’s words: “Do whatever he tells you,” the core message of the Strenna 2026.
Reflecting on the servants at Cana—the silent protagonists of the miracle—he proposed a powerful image of the vocation of the Salesian Cooperators, who are preparing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of their foundation in May 2026. His reflection extended to the entire Salesian Family as an invitation to rediscover the beauty of humble, generous, and trusting service, capable of cooperating in God’s work in daily life and transforming existence into a gift.
The second day of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days thus offered a rich and harmonious experience, weaving together listening to the Word, remembrance of roots, testimonies of holiness, and concrete life. Through the Gospel of Cana, the luminous figures of saints and witnesses, and the rediscovery of humble and faithful service, participants were invited to recognize how God continues to act today, transforming everyday reality into a space of grace and joy. A shared journey that strengthens the charismatic identity of the Salesian Family and renews its commitment to live the Gospel as celebration, gift, and mission.
