(ANS – Turin) – The third day of the Salesian Family World Advisory Council, held at Valdocco in Turin on May 22, 2026, formed part of an ongoing process of discernment and dialogue bringing together representatives of the various groups of the Salesian Family. Participants were called to reflect together on the challenges of animation and governance in today’s world.

In an atmosphere marked by deep spirituality, shared responsibility, and charismatic communion, participants experienced a structured program of prayer, formation, and dialogue aimed at strengthening their common identity and mission.

The day began with the Eucharistic Celebration and Morning Prayer presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard. In his homily, Fr. Joan Lluís Playà invited the assembly to contemplate the figure of Peter, recalling that authority within the Church springs from love and service. Peter, he noted, was chosen not because he was flawless, but because he was capable of allowing himself to be loved and forgiven.

The reflection served as a meaningful reminder for all those entrusted with responsibilities of animation and governance to ask the Lord for hearts filled with charity toward God and toward their brothers and sisters.

The highlight of the morning was a presentation by Fr. Michal Vojtaš, SDB, professor at the Pontifical Salesian University, who offered a profound reflection on the Preventive System as a guiding principle for animation and governance within institutes and associations. His presentation, titled “Salesian Management and Leadership,” explored the complementary relationship between leadership and management in the Salesian tradition.

Fr. Vojtaš explained that leadership is oriented toward people, transformation, and vision, while management ensures structure, procedures, and operational effectiveness. In Don Bosco’s vision, these two dimensions are not opposed but work together harmoniously.

Through nine fundamental dynamics—including trust in Divine Providence, the balance between “powerful vision and prudent management,” the expansion of works rooted in self-giving, teamwork, and the synthesis of structured regulations with a family spirit—he outlined a model of governance capable of combining charismatic vision with organizational sustainability.

Special attention was given to decision-making processes and the management of change across different cultures, emphasizing the importance of discernment, clear criteria, shared responsibility, and integral formation that engages rational, emotional, and spiritual intelligence.

The speaker reiterated that the Preventive System remains at the heart of every act of governance: reason, religion, and loving-kindness as a permanent style of leadership.

Participants then continued their reflections in small groups, followed by a plenary discussion. The project for the “Center for Advanced Salesian Formation” was also presented by Fr. José Miguel Núñez, representing another sign of the commitment to strengthening professional formation in the service of animation.

In the afternoon, participants enjoyed a meaningful cultural experience with a guided tour of the Shrine of the Consolata and the exhibition “Don Bosco: From Biography to Comic Strip,” inaugurated at the Don Bosco House Museum in Turin.

After Vespers, led by groups from the Sisters of the Catechists of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians (SMI) and the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, shared her experience of a spiritual encounter with Blessed Maria Troncatti during a trip to Ecuador.

Her testimony reflected a fruitful spiritual motherhood born of entrustment to Mary and invited everyone present to rediscover the evangelical power of tenderness and affection.

The day concluded with the novena to Mary Help of Christians in the Basilica-Shrine and with a profound moment of fraternity, bringing to a close a journey marked by spiritual depth, charismatic reflection, and renewed commitment to educational and pastoral service.