(ANS - Rome) - One of the most beautiful fruits of the life of Don Bosco is the host of saints and candidates for sainthood who embody his charism and his ideal in many forms and under diverse conditions. While we express a deep religious sense of gratitude and praise for the holiness already recognized in the Salesian Family and for that on the way to being recognized, we are aware that we have received a precious heritage that deserves to be known and valued in different ways: liturgical, spiritual, pastoral, ecclesial, educational, cultural.

Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni,

Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family

The celebration of the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco has led to a deeper understanding of his spiritual experience, which flourished in rich and diverse fruits of holiness. From Don Bosco to today we recognize a tradition of holiness that deserves attention, because it is the embodiment of the charism that started with him and which is expressed in a plurality of states of life and forms: men and women, young people and adults, consecrated and lay people, bishops and missionaries in different historical, cultural and social contexts in time and space have made this single Salesian charism shine forth. They represent a heritage that plays an effective role in the life and community of believers and of people of goodwill.

Consequently, the pastoral and spiritual care of each cause is a genuine form of pedagogy of holiness to which we should, by virtue of our charism, be sensitive and careful. "Don Bosco educated Salesians and young people to holiness, by frequenting the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. In this way he formed saints, great and small, and martyrs, strong and courageous in the defence of their faith. The pedagogy of holiness, lived in joy, is the most relevant prophecy of the Saint of youth." (Cardinal Angelo Amato SDB, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints).

To spread the knowledge of these members of the Salesian Family, and to encourage us to imitate them and pray to them, the Postulator General has organized a seminar to be held in Rome from 6 to 10 April 2016.

The objectives of the seminar and the programme can be found on the sdb.org website. It is possible also to download the multilingual poster presenting these figures of holiness in the Salesian Family.

Published 30/10/2015