There were a number of events in which novices and formation personnel were able to meet and get to know each other. The days of study, fellowship and spirituality were also enriched by visits to the places in which the Salesian charism came to birth.

On Friday 22 May. at Monte Oliveto, one of the two novitiates in Italy, the assembled novices recalled the anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Congregation reading the account of that event on 18 December 1859 in the Biographical Memoirs. This was followed by the presentation of the various different novitiates and their history reflecting the specific cultures and tradition of each country. Then the novices spoke about their own vocational and formation journeys.

In the afternoon, after the inevitable sporting encounters, the novices and their directors went in pilgrimage to the Pinerolo sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces where Don Bosco used to go to pray.

Welcoming the young Salesian pilgrims was Bishop Pier Giorgio Debernardi of Pinerolo who also presided at Mass. The day ended with a pleasant evening spent together.

On 23 and 24 May, the novices with their directors went to Valdocco where they took part in the liturgical celebrations and played their part in welcoming and guiding the large numbers of pilgrims who filled the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians.

This meeting of the Salesian novices from Pinerolo, Genzano, Lyon-Fourvière, Poprad and Czerwi?sk was inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Founding of the Salesian Congregation and by the “Project for Europe” which encourages more meetings exchanges and mutual support among the Salesians of the Old Continent, especially those in initial formation.

Published 25/05/2009