(ANS - Rome) - This morning, 16 January, the Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family began with time dedicated to the presentation of the Strenna for 2015. The video of the testimonies from various parts of the Salesian world served as a framework for the Rector Major’s reflection. These testimonies were in response to two questions: "What does it mean for you to be among the young? What is your experience among young people?"

by Andrés Felipe Loaiza, SDB

After the video testimonies of young people, past pupils, lay and religious, Fr Á.F. Artime presented the Strenna 2015. He reiterated the importance of various elements, including accompaniment. He said: "I am convinced of the importance of accompaniment especially today when, despite the media and the many possibilities of communication, many young people feel alone and in need of a companion."  And he added: "being with young people today is a matter of urgency."

On the same subject, he said that "some people see the young only in photographs," but he made clear the importance of a presence among young people, which is not only physical and has nothing to do with age but "it is a matter of heart and openness. I have even met confreres in nursing homes, on a bed, with a heart beating strongly for young people. Their prayers and thoughts were constantly offered to God for them."

On the other hand, he commented that it is crucial for the Salesian Family, who work with young people and for young people, to "open our minds and our hearts to appreciate and love the world of young people". He referred to the important process of reflection made by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in their General Chapter, in which they declared the essential need to "be aware that we have to learn from young people, sometimes letting them teach us and educate us, so that we can then, together with them, go to meet other young people in their concrete situations."

The morning ended with the Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of the Generalate at which the Rector Major presided.

In the afternoon the work continued with the contribution of Fr Guido Novella, entitled "Journeying with Mary, Don Bosco and the young people of today". This was followed by group reflection on the inputs of the day.  In the evening, all the participants are expected at the Don Bosco House in Cinecittà for a show staged by post-novices from Nave.

Published 16/01/2015