(ANS - Vatican City)- From 4 to 7 July there will be in Rome the "Day for seminarians, male and female novices and those on their vocational journey", one of the major events planned for the Year of Faith. The initiative has attracted some 6,000 young people from all continents, among them some Salesian groups.

The Day, convened by Pope Benedict XVI, has as its motto the phrase "I trust you!" Mgr Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization explained it thus: "We couldn't miss such an expressive moment as this in this Year. There is the desire to highlight the joy of so many young people who see their vocation and, despite the various difficulties of life, courageously take a step that calls into play their whole selves and their life."

Many events are scheduled: 

• Thursday, 4 July, a pilgrimage to the tomb of Peter, with a reflection offered by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest of St Peter's Basilica;
• Friday, 5 July, in the morning, catecheses in various languages in different churches in the city; in the afternoon, a visit to holy places that house the relics of saints linked with Rome and then a party with testimonies at the Campidoglio;
• Saturday, 6 July, a formation session at the Pontifical Lateran University in the morning and, in the afternoon, a meeting with Pope Francis and a Marian procession which will conclude with a meditation by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life;
• Finally, Sunday, 7 July, celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica, followed, as usual, by the Angelus.

"Participating in the Year of Faith is a small sign to affirm and confirm publicly and communally our commitment in and for the Church,” – said Fr Peter Migliasso, Master of the 'Monte Oliveto' Novitiate in Pinerolo, currently in Rome to participate in the day, speaking to Vatican Insider. “Following Don Bosco's example our  - what I would call -  'affectionate' bond with the Pope, is a way of affirming our belonging and our commitment to building up the Church. Every Pope must know that he can count on us, on every Salesian forever."

Fr Migliasso then underlined the results they expect: "Participating in these days, reflecting on the theme of vocation and living a strong experience of communion and prayer, reminds us that we have to witness to our faith 'as consecrated people' who give God the primacy in their lives in a credible and coherent way, but also in a visible manner. As future Salesians, they must have the courage to be seen 'speaking of and giving God to all young people'."

Published on 02/07/2013