(ANS – Castelnuovo Don Bosco – October 5, 2026) – The consolidation of a missionary vocation preparing to set out ad gentes, ad exteros and ad vitam requires a continuous process of internalization, in which the initial enthusiasm for the call is strengthened by doctrine, charismatic history and ecclesial meaning. While the first few days at Colle Don Bosco laid the anthropological and theological foundations for intercultural encounter, the following week of the Corso Germoglio represented an even more intense and formative immersion in Salesian identity and the Magisterium of the Church.

During this period, from September 26 to October 2, 2026, the young missionaries continued to make their stay in the birthplace of St. John Bosco a veritable “workshop of life,” in which prayer, study, and fraternal living pave the way toward their final sending forth.

The conciliar impetus and sharing of origins: The Ad Gentes Decree and the encounter of cultures

The opening of this new stage, on Saturday, September 26, was marked by a study of the conciliar decree Ad Gentes. In the afternoon, however, the intercultural dimension took on particular significance through the sharing and presentation of the work prepared by the participants, in which each future missionary earnestly outlined the essential characteristics of their own culture of origin and of the land to which they have been assigned.

The fruitful pause: Integration and inner silence

In accordance with the proposed program, Sunday, September 27, was spent as a sacred time for personal integration. In the midst of the intensive formation program, silence and personal prayer proved indispensable so that the candidates could assimilate the content they had received, listen to the voice of God and allow the inner reflections recorded in their spiritual diaries to mature.

Fidelity to our roots: Salesian history and the new horizons of mission

On Monday, September 28, Fr. Pavel Ženíšek guided the group through a two-part reflection of fundamental importance. First, he presented a historical overview of the Salesian missions, enabling the new missionaries to recognize themselves as heirs to a long tradition of boldness and self-giving. This historical account was directly linked to “The Mission Today,” based on the guidelines of the letter (AGC 437) by the former General Councillor for the Missions, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, SDB, emphasizing that responding to contemporary challenges requires dynamism, discernment, and creative fidelity to the Valdocco charism.

Human dignity at the heart of the proclamation: A reflection on Magnifica Humanitas

One of the most formative moments took place on Tuesday, September 29, led by Fr. Francesco Marcoccio, who delivered a session dedicated to Magnifica Humanitas. Through this reflection, participants explored in depth the centrality of human promotion and respect for the inalienable dignity of every person as intrinsic dimensions of evangelization.

The echo of the Magisterium and the pedagogy of the gaze: Theology and cultural experience

The missionaries then continued, under the guidance of members of the Missions Sector, with the systematic study of the major papal documents that guide the evangelizing action of the universal Church: Maximum Illud, Evangelii Praeconis, Evangelii Nuntiandi, Redemptoris Missio and Evangelii Gaudium. This study reinforced their awareness of a Church that is permanently “going forth.”

Alongside this theoretical study, the afternoon of Wednesday, September 30, offered a rich cultural experience during a guided tour of the Ethnological Missionary Museum at Colle Don Bosco, expertly led by the curator, Letizia Pecetto.

The Missionary Cross, Lectio Divina and dialogue on life in the field

As October drew near, spiritual contemplation and practical discernment were combined. The day brought together spiritual contemplation and concrete preparation for the mission. The young missionaries meditated on the Salesian Missionary Cross and engaged in Lectio Divina on Christ’s commission to the disciples (Mt. 28:16–20), entrusting themselves to his promise: “Behold, I am with you always.”

This was followed by a round-table discussion with Salesians Fr. Reginaldo Cordeiro, Fr. Eric Mairura, and Fr. Pavel Ženíšek. It provided a direct exchange on missionary life through the sharing of experiences, challenges, and joys of service in the field.

Gentleness and charismatic zeal: The spirituality of St. Francis de Sales

The highlight of the week’s program took place on Friday, October 2, with the opening of the module on missionary and charismatic spirituality in St. Francis de Sales, led by Fr. Gianni Ghiglione, SDB. The reflections helped the participants understand the mysticism of meekness, zeal for souls, and selfless love as the driving forces and foundations of Salesian missionary action.

Fraternity built through daily life

In addition to periods of teaching and silent prayer, the pedagogy of the Corso Germoglio continued to be expressed through the simple rhythm of community life. The morning Eucharistic celebration, the Liturgy of the Hours, time set aside for sport and the sharing sessions at the end of the day transformed the communal life of young people from different continents into a concrete experience of ecclesial fraternity.

Supported by this enriching journey, the members of the 157th Salesian Missionary Expedition thus continue to nurture the “Germoglio” (sprouting) of their vocation in the blessed soil of Colle Don Bosco, preparing themselves to be authentic witnesses to the Gospel wherever the mission may send them.