(ANS – Turin) – “Do whatever He tells you: believers, free to serve… in the footsteps of the Preventive System” is the theme of the World Council of the Salesian Family, currently taking place at Valdocco in Turin from Wednesday, May 20 to Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the days leading up to the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. The central focus of the event is reflection on the Preventive System from the perspective of animation and governance for the various Institutes and Associations.
Around 60 leading figures from the various groups born of the Salesian charism of Don Bosco are participating, marking one of the highest turnouts ever recorded: 27 of the 32 groups that make up this global charismatic family serving the Church and young people are directly represented.
Day One: Message of the Rector Major
During the first half-day of proceedings, focused primarily on familiarization and planning, participants gathered to hear welcoming remarks and an overview of the program from the Rector Major’s Delegate for the Salesian Family, Fr. Joan Lluís Playà, as well as the introductory address of the Rector Major himself, Fr. Fabio Attard, who presented the guiding theme of the 2026 World Consultation.
In his address, the Rector Major highlighted the current moment of the Salesian Family, noting several significant anniversaries:
- 2025 – 150th anniversary of the Salesian Missions
- 2026 – 150th anniversary of the Salesian Cooperators
- 2027 – 150th anniversary of the Preventive System
He also referenced recent Strenna messages on Hope and Faith, affirming that these are not merely coincidences or historical markers, but signs within the ongoing history of the Spirit. They point toward a journey animated by pastoral charity in the spirit of the Good Shepherd.
He invited all Major Superiors and group leaders to experience the Consulta as an interior journey to rediscover the charismatic roots of the Preventive System, emphasizing that the charism is not a pedagogical technique nor merely a functional model, but the action of the Spirit—“a fire that purifies, illuminates, and gives energy for the journey.”
From this perspective, the charism is a freely given gift that also becomes a shared responsibility. It must be lived without fear, inertia, or discouragement. Even in Don Bosco’s lifetime, Salesians faced the risk of losing their way and no longer living the Preventive System.
The challenge is not to measure results or personal gifts, but to have the courage to place oneself fully in God’s hands and become “co-consecrated persons”—those who dwell in what is sacred.
In a world marked by violence and oppression, he added, the authentic witness of those who have founded their lives on God becomes a powerful sign of hope and a source of healthy restlessness for young people.
The day concluded with introductions among participants—especially new members—followed by Vespers, the traditional Salesian “good night,” and the recitation of the Novena to Mary Help of Christians in the Basilica dedicated to her in Valdocco, the historic heart of the Salesian work.
Program for the Following Days
On Thursday, May 21, Lectio Divina led by Fr. Marco Rossetti, SDB on “I am the Good Shepherd” is followed by working groups and shared discernment sessions inspired by recent synodal processes, using the method of “Conversations in the Spirit.” The morning concludes with Mass presided over by Fr. Fabio Attard.
In the afternoon, work continues with the presentation of a study by Fr. Rossano Sala, titled “The Preventive System Put to the Test in the Third Millennium: The Prophetic Relevance of Our Educational and Pastoral Style.” This is followed by dialogue with the speaker and continued community prayer moments.
On Friday, May 22, the program includes morning Mass and a session led by Fr. Michal Vojtaš, professor at the Pontifical Salesian University, on “The Preventive System in the Service of Animation and Governance of Institutes and Associations.” Group work will follow, including religious, secular institutes, and lay associations.
The day also includes the presentation of the newly established Center for Advanced Salesian Formation at Colle Don Bosco, presented by Fr. José Miguel Núñez Moreno, SDB.
In the afternoon, participants will visit the Shrine of the Consolata in Turin, a place deeply connected to Don Bosco. Various Salesian Family groups will share updates, followed by a visit to an exhibition at the Casa Don Bosco Museum titled “From Biography to Comic Strip,” showcasing diverse ways of communicating the life and charism of the Saint of Youth.
On Saturday, May 23, the Rector Major, as father and center of unity of the Salesian Family, will preside over the closing assembly, followed by deeper group reflection. After final updates from the Secretariat of the Salesian Family and the General Postulation for the Causes of Saints, the 2026 World Consultation will conclude with a closing Mass presided over by Fr. Fabio Attard.
Through its rich program, the exchange of diverse charisms and pastoral approaches, and the spiritual depth of its Salesian settings during the Marian month of May, the gathering offers a profound experience of Salesian identity. It also provides renewed energy for the mission of animation, governance, and apostolic service across all groups of the Salesian Family.