(ANS – Lourdes) – From October 29 to November 1, 2015, the Salesian Family of France and South Belgium gathered at Lourdes to celebrate and close in this holy place, the Bicentennial of Don Bosco’s birth.

There were more than 750 participants, representing Salesian Family members:  religious, Don Bosco Volunteers, Salesian Co-operators, friends, network members, Salesian Youth Movement members, VIDES, elderly people with their families, and the presence of the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Yvonne Reungoat.

The days were spent in a joyful, festive, and warm atmosphere.  The various moments were diversified and enriching.  Very meaningful was the intervention in two voices on ‘Educational Relationships’ with Jean Caron, and ‘Evangelization in the Family’, with Sr. Nathalie Becquart, Saverian Religious. Instead, Fr. Jean-Marie Petitclerc, SDB, gave a reflection on the importance of Don Bosco’s pedagogy for the family.

The days were filled with carefully prepared prayer and celebrations, Marian procession and Eucharistic celebrations; an evening of getting acquainted and the musical drama, “Don Bosco Academy” with a group of young people from Bruxelles and Lille, which was very successful as it had been in many cities of France and Belgium. There were testimonies, workshops, visits, all which allowed for a deeper knowledge of St. Bernadette, the study of Salesian richness, and significant encounters.

Sr. Geneviève Pelsser, Provincial of the new FMA Province of France/Tunisia/South Belgium, reviewed the motive for the celebration with all the members of the Salesian Family.

The days were enriched by the presence of Msgr. Luc Van Looy, Bishop of Gand, Belgium on his return from the Synod on the Family. He was asked to animate a workshop on the ‘Synod Atmosphere’, which aroused much interest. “Our Church changes. The time of judgment is over and leaves space for mercy.  The Word is given to all Christians. The Holy Father allowed great freedom of expression and listened a lot.” He then concluded, insisting on the importance of ‘tenderness’ in relationships.

The animation of these days was truly accomplished with the collaboration of all the members of the Salesian Family. The children and teenagers enjoyed the activities that were planned for them. A time was always reserved for them during the encounters to express what they thought and to animate some celebrations.

Published 10/11/2015