(ANS - Rome) - The second of the Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family looked at the central figure of Don Bosco as a witness and teacher of the relationship between man and God.

The focal point of this deep study of the charism of Valdocco was the talk given by Fr Aldo Giraudo in which he developed some profound reflections on the spiritual sensitivity and teaching of Don Bosco, the saint of youth. Referring to the imminent publication of a vast anthology of texts of Don Bosco, which undoubtedly will occur at the next General Chapter, Fr Giraudo pointed out that while Don Bosco did not compose his own spiritual summa, he still managed to achieve a fruitful personal synthesis which he passed on to his followers by word and example.

Don Bosco draws on the Italian school of spirituality of the 16th and 17th centuries, and goes back to figures like St Francis de Sales, St Alphonsus de` Liguori and Ignatius of Loyola. He focuses especially on the theme of giving oneself to God. This is the key to his activity and this was his insistent invitation to young people.

Testimonies given after Fr Giraudo’s talk re-echoed some of his ideas and showed how relevant this teaching is at the present time. Taken together, these testimonies showed how the Salesians today are involved on the social and cultural margins. The speakers were Fr Valerio Baresi, Sister Marta Drei, Gaia Lauri and Cecilia Corrias. They spoke about old projects that are reborn to respond to new challenges, such as a prophetic presence in deprived urban areas, closeness to young people in the playground both real and digital, supporting families and providing homes for young people who do not have a family.

The afternoon was spent in reflection on pastoral charity. Fr Alberto Martelli, editorial director of LDC, said that action is the most accurate summary of the life of Don Bosco. In light of this spiritual experience, he went on to say that the programme for religious and lay people is not to implement a list of projects, but to adopt the style of sharing practised by Jesus. This is true for the consecrated but also for all the baptized. Roberto Lorenzini, a Salesian Cooperator, said that the response to the love of God is holiness, which is possible for all. From it comes the commitment to the world as an expression of Christian charity, living as honest citizens even in political life which is a sensitive but fascinating area. Sister Carmela Busia, FMA, returned to the topic of young people. She stressed the importance of spiritual friendship which begets self-esteem and opens young people to accepting God. These are the first two steps of the journey of a new life.

In the various contributions, there were frequent references to the Strenna for 2014. It was commented on in various ways by the Rector Major himself in his interventions. "We cannot love our neighbour if we do not have a personal experience of God`s love." In this spirit, the celebration of the Eucharist in the late afternoon was experienced by more than 400 participants as a precious moment to tap into our source of motivation and strength, so as to be able to serve young people. In Mark’s gospel, the people cried out in wonder and acclamation on witnessing the miraculous healing of the paralysed man through the work of Jesus.

This might also be the cry of people in our day on seeing the work of the Church. The homily was given by Fr Filiberto Gonzalez of the department of communication. In the evening, the participants went to the Don Bosco Theatre at Cinecittà for a play performed by the post-novices from Nave.

Published 18/01/2014