(ANS - Rome) – First of all, it was an introductory time the one dedicated yesterday, Thursday, January 14th, at the Salesianum in Rome, to the opening session of the 34th Days of Spirituality of the Salesian Family; and yet, it was already capable of indicating a target to this appointment: transmitting, even "infecting" - as the Rector Major said - with the enthusiam regarding the Salesian Family.

The pilgrimage as a constituent dimension of every person's life, and the company of brothers and sisters in this journey as a support along the way are some of the themes that were dealt with in the first report of GSFS, presented by Fr Di Natale, SDB. Therefore, fraternity is a process that is being established, as one goes towards the Risen Lord, remarked the Salesian speaker.

The evening, lived in the usual atmosphere of cheerfulness typical of Salesian meetings, was concluded with the "buona notte" of the Rector Major. Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime stated how, as Successor of Don Bosco, he feels as his own responsibility, besides the guidance of the Salesian Congregation, caring for and animating the entire Salesian Family. He therefore greeted the audience presenting the various members of the Secretariat for the Salesian Family, coordinated by his Delegate, Fr. Eusebio Muñoz.

The works this morning, Friday, January 15th, commenced with the projection of a viedo-synthesis of the preceding day, prepared by a team of operators of “Cancão Nova”, 25th group of the Salesian Family, very active in apostolate through communication.

Soon afterwards, Fr. Á.F. Artime explained to the assembly of participants the core of the Strenna for 2016. Through a Prezi presentation, he split the slogan of the Strenna into parts: "With Jesus" reminds how the pilgrimage of each believer always starts out of an initiative of the Lord; "let us journey together" highlights the communal and ecclesial dimension of the journey; "in an adventure of the Spirit" clarifies that journey of interiority and spirituality which, far from being a flight from this world, is translated for the Salesian Family into an impetus to respond to the profound aspirations of the youth: the need for life, openness, joy, freedom, future, a more just and fraternal world, development for all peoples, care for nature...

The morning then proceeded with a reflection offered by Sr. Maria Ko, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, in which the sister showed the many passages Mary went through, by letting herself be guided by the Spirit, starting from her question, "How can this come about" to "Let it happen to me as you have said".

Published on 15/1/2016