A Celebration that Began with Prayer
The celebration in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, cradle and worldwide spiritual center of the Salesian charism, had actually begun the evening before with First Vespers presided over by the Rector Major, followed by a prayer vigil animated by the novices of Colle Don Bosco on the theme “Until My Last Breath.” At the end of Vespers, Fr Attard also offered the traditional “Salesian goodnight,” highlighting two key aspects of Don Bosco: his deep rootedness in Christ and his concrete involvement in the life of the city. This was not merely social engagement, but missionary zeal, enabling him to see people and situations in the light of the Gospel and with pastoral intelligence.
A Basilica Filled with the Faithful
On the feast day itself, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians remained constantly filled with faithful arriving from many places to honor the Father and Teacher of Youth. Seven Masses were celebrated throughout the day, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., along with various other moments of prayer. The choice of celebrants was also meaningful, aimed at strengthening ties with the local Church. Among those who presided were Episcopal Vicars Fr Michele Roselli (for formation) and Fr Mario Aversano (for territorial pastoral care), the Superior of the Special Circumscription of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta (ICP), Fr Leonardo Mancini, the Archbishop of Turin, Cardinal Roberto Repole—who concelebrated with the Rector Major—and in the afternoon, Auxiliary Bishop Msgr Alessandro Giraudo.
The Solemn Eucharist of the Rector Major
The high point of the celebration was the Eucharist presided over by Fr Fabio Attard in a Basilica filled to capacity. The liturgy was carefully prepared and animated by the youth choir and orchestra of Novara. At the altar beside the Rector Major was also the Congregation’s General Economer, Fr Gabriel Stawowy. The homily took up the message of the 2026 Strenna, presenting it in a special way to the young people.
Four Verbs for the Journey of Life
In his reflection, the Rector Major focused on the four key verbs of the Strenna—see, listen, choose, and act—retracing Don Bosco’s vocational journey through them. See was the first request made by Our Lady to young John in the Dream at Nine Years Old. It means taking reality seriously. “Do we have the courage to let ourselves be questioned by what is happening around us?” the Rector Major asked. Listen goes beyond simply seeing. One can look and remain distant. Listening means allowing oneself to be touched interiorly: “What is what I see saying to me? How does it challenge me?” From there comes the decisive step: Choose. If we understand what we see and sincerely listen to its message, we must set out on a path: “What are the choices of my life? What calling do I want to embrace?” Finally comes Act. Action becomes the mature fruit of discernment: “Making those choices that help grow what we have seen and listened to.”
A Day Rich in Spiritual Moments
The afternoon program also included the blessing of children at Don Bosco’s altar, a time of Eucharistic adoration, and the celebration of Second Vespers. The Feast of Don Bosco 2026 in Turin-Valdocco concluded with an Eucharist celebrated together with the young people and members of the “Arsenal of Peace” of SER.MI.G. (Youth Missionary Service), bringing to a close a day of faith, gratitude, and renewed commitment in the spirit of the Salesian charism.
