(ANS - Turin)- Yesterday afternoon, May 25, the courtyards in Valdocco went back to being full of young people. The Salesian bishops and Cardinals and Bishops have gone. They are already on their way back to their respective assignments. But what remains of this event that was so significant for the Salesian Congregation?

by Gian Francesco Romano

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, spoke of these "days of spiritual grace," "days of light and reflection", and important moments of sharing "as Salesians gathered around our Father Don Bosco, in this place where we are all born to Salesian life."

In his presentation of the 27^th General Chapter the Rector Major spoke about fraternity. Here it was lived and experienced by the bishops in the official celebrations and times of sharing and listening, and also in the spontaneous exchanges that occurred during their free time. This harmony of spirit came about naturally thanks to the common Salesian root and the festive atmosphere for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians and the Bicentenary of Don Bosco.

The event was also an opportunity to study the needs of the particular Churches and the universal Church, and the challenges facing Consecrated Life and evangelization. It allowed all those present, especially those who had come from far away, to renew their commitment to the Salesian charism, their devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the link with Don Bosco and the places associated with his life and work.

Although this was not the first, a gathering of Salesian Bishops is always something special. One of the cardinals present confided that he had met Pope Francis a few days previously. When he explained to the Pope that he had to be in Turin for a meeting with the other Salesian Cardinals and Bishops, the Holy Father smiled and said, "Only the Salesians could do something like this!" 

Published 26/05/2015