The meeting, inspired by the theme of the 2026 Strenna – “Do whatever he tells you: Believers, free to serve… in the footsteps of the Preventive System” – represents a special time of communion, discernment and missionary renewal. Present in Turin are the General Superiors, the Presidents and the World Coordinators of the various Groups: consecrated men and women, secular institutes, associations and lay movements who share the same spirit and the same apostolic passion for young people.
Alongside the Rector Major, the presence of Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, is significant, together with the leaders of the other Groups of the Salesian Family. Their participation visibly manifests the charismatic richness and ecclesial co-responsibility that characterise the great family born from the heart of Don Bosco.
The programme alternates between moments of prayer, reflection and fraternal discussion. At the heart of the discussions is the Preventive System, reinterpreted in the light of the challenges of the third millennium and considered in particular in the context of the animation and governance of the Institutes and Associations. The methodology of “conversation in the Spirit”, the Eucharistic celebrations presided over by the Rector Major, the sharing in assembly, and the information sessions foster an authentic synodal journey.
The Consulta takes place in a family atmosphere, enriched by visits to Salesian sites and participation in the Novena and the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, the spiritual heart of the Congregation and of all the Groups.
In his greeting, Fr Joan Lluís Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, highlighted the profound value of the event: “Gathering in Valdocco, around the Rector Major, is a powerful sign of communion and fidelity to the charism. The presence of the Superiors and World Leaders expresses the beautiful and diverse face of our Family. My hope is that these days will rekindle in us a passion for the Preventive System, not merely as an educational method, but as an authentic spirituality of relationship, capable of generating life, hope and holiness. We are called to be believers, free to serve, and to walk together as a true family in the service of young people and the Church.”
From Valdocco, the place of its origins, the Salesian Family thus renews its commitment to live and bear witness with boldness to Don Bosco’s dream in today’s world.
