(ANS – Rome) – For April 26, 2026, the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), through its National Office for the Pastoral Care of Vocations, led by Fr. Michele Gianola, is presenting both a poster featuring figures of holiness and a series of small cards highlighting these individuals one by one.

The poster includes 20 figures from different ages and walks of life, skillfully illustrated by Marta Villabrille. Each small card features a single portrait on the front, accompanied by the words of Pope Leo XIV: “Strive for holiness, wherever you are.” The back of each card includes the prayer for the Day and a QR code with the invitation “Read my story,” linking to further information about that individual. This dynamic approach draws attention through the warmth of the faces and, with the “surprise effect” of the QR code, fosters interest in these witnesses to Christian life.

The poster is accompanied by a message from the CEI:

“Dear young people, our hope is Jesus… Let us remain united to Him, let us remain in His friendship always, nurturing it through prayer, adoration, Holy Communion, frequent Confession, and generous charity… Aim for great things, for holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less. Then you will see the light of the Gospel grow every day, within you and around you.”
(Pope Leo XIV, Homily, Tor Vergata, August 3, 2025)

In its clarity and simplicity, this message offers a strong vocational invitation. The desire to find meaning in life and the passion to make the world a better place resonate deeply with many young people—an aspiration the initiative seeks to address.

Faces and Stories of Salesian Holiness

Of the 20 figures featured on the poster, six are Salesians or closely connected to the Salesian world. The choice by the CEI highlights once again how figures linked to Don Bosco serve as guides and companions for young people on their journey toward encountering the Lord Jesus and His Church, on the path to the fullness of joy through self-giving.

They include:

– Bishop Giuseppe Cognata (Servant of God), Bishop of Bova and later Titular Bishop of Farsalo, founder of the Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart (SOSC)
– Giulia Colbert Falletti di Barolo (Venerable), wife of the Venerable Carlo Tancredi Falletti di Barolo, connected to the early days of Don Bosco and founder of the Institute of the Penitent Sisters of Saint Mary Magdalene (now the Daughters of Jesus the Good Shepherd)
– Fr. Giuseppe Quadrio (Venerable), a distinguished Salesian who made academic teaching a true mission and a model of Salesian kindness
– Fr. Felice Canelli (Venerable), priest of the Diocese of San Severo in Puglia and Salesian Cooperator, who brought the spirit of Don Bosco to serve the poor and vulnerable
– Vera Grita (Servant of God), laywoman and Salesian Cooperator, known in the Church for the Work of the Living Tabernacles
– Attilio Giordani (Venerable), husband, father, Salesian Cooperator, and lay missionary in Brazil, who dedicated his life to serving others

This meaningful selection once again presents figures inspired by Don Bosco as companions for young people, guiding them toward an encounter with Christ and a life of joy rooted in generous self-giving.