Eucharistic Celebration in the Basilica
The day began with the Eucharistic Celebration in the Basilica, marked by a spirit of recollection and communion that has characterized these days. In his homily, Fr. Joan Lluís Playà, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, invited participants to rekindle their apostolic spirituality, rereading their vocation as a personal call from the Lord within the heart of history.
Drawing on the Word of God and the experience of Don Bosco, he emphasized that the Salesian Family is born from a faith-filled reading of reality and from a profound passion for young people, especially those who are most fragile.
Panel Discussion: Experiences of Faith and Accompaniment in Youth Contexts
After the official group photo in the theatre, the entire morning was dedicated to a Panel Discussion coordinated by Fr. Jerry Matsoumbou from the Youth Ministry Sector, on the theme “Experiences of Faith and Accompaniment in Youth Environments.”
The dialogue between young people and members of the Salesian Family highlighted a strong desire for spaces of listening, authentic relationships, personal accompaniment, and credible witnesses. It clearly emerged that faith is awakened through encounter, closeness, and a concrete experience of God’s love lived daily within Salesian settings.
Salesian Cooperators: Between Charismatic Memory and Missionary Renewal
In the afternoon, a session was dedicated to the Salesian Cooperators, offering a comprehensive reflection on their history, identity, and mission today, in view of the 150th anniversary of the Association’s foundation.
Through presentations and testimonies, the richness of a lay Salesian vocation lived in the world emerged as a prophetic presence in the Church and society, capable of bringing Don Bosco’s charism into family life, professional environments, and social contexts.
The Salesian Family Lay Groups Fair
Participants then took part in the Salesian Family Lay Groups Fair, a true space of encounter and communion. Organized by language groups, participants visited the various stands, gaining deeper insight into the origins, charisms, and activities of the different lay groups present.
The Fair proved to be a valuable confluence of communion, showcasing the vitality and diversity of the Salesian charism in its many expressions.
A Fraternal and Cultural Evening of the Salesian Family
The day concluded with a fraternal and cultural evening in the theatre, bringing together all the groups of the Salesian Family in an atmosphere of joy and shared celebration. Enthusiastically animated by the novices, the evening featured songs, music, testimonies, and creative moments.
Highlights included the musical opening by the Salesian Cooperators, the evocative musical performance by Bishop Miguel Ángel Olaverri Arroniz, SDB, together with Fr. Manolo, and the Marian hymn by the Friends of Don Bosco of Malta, accompanied by the Rector Major and enhanced by an engaging light display.
A dynamic inspired by the Wedding at Cana, guided by Italo Canaletti, offered a symbolic interpretation of fraternity and shared mission. The evening concluded with the Rector Major’s blessing and “Good Night”, followed by a familial moment, leaving participants with the memory of an enthusiastic day lived in communion and gratitude.
