(ANS – Rome) – Saturday at the World Consultation of the Salesian Family 2025 was marked by moments of profound spirituality, dialogue, and sharing, culminating in the participation at the Pentecost Vigil in St. Peter’s Square, in the presence of Pope Leo XIV—an experience of great significance for all those present.
The day opened with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, who offered a reflection on the Gospel, inviting the Salesian Family to always remain centered on Jesus and His call. In his homily, the Rector Major highlighted two key aspects:
- Giving primacy to the Holy Spirit as the guide in life and mission.
- Living faith with authenticity, focusing not on “doing” but on being witnesses of the Gospel.
“Being authentic witnesses means living a faith that speaks through our presence and our ability to love, just as Don Bosco did with the young,” affirmed Fr. Fabio Attard.
The Rector Major’s Address: Identity and Mission
In his address, the Rector Major described the 29th General Chapter as a significant experience, calling the Salesian Family to live their identity in Christ with passion and to dedicate themselves authentically to young people, who are at the heart of the Salesian mission.
He emphasized the challenges of living in an era of radical change, which poses new and complex questions. “The real challenge is to have the humility to listen, without responding with patterns of the past,” stated Fr. Fabio, stressing that the authenticity of the mission is not found in “doing” but in presence.
Authentic Salesian presence is always meaningful, as goodness never leaves anyone indifferent. Placing the person at the center, as Don Bosco did with Bartolomeo Garelli, means bearing witness to the Gospel with love and transforming structures into instruments of mission rather than mere operational entities.
Group Work and Sharing
The morning continued with group work, conducted in a spirit of conversation led by the Holy Spirit. Participants reflected on three main themes:
- Insights and reflections emerging from the Rector Major’s address.
- Proposals for the Strenna 2026, inspired by the Salesian charism and the challenges of our time.
- Suggestions for the shared journey of the Salesian Family in the coming years.
The conclusions of the group discussions were shared in a plenary session, providing concrete ideas and innovative proposals for the future of the mission.
The Pentecost Vigil at St Peter’s Square
In the afternoon, participants traveled to the Vatican to take part in the Pentecost Vigil, celebrated with various movements, associations, and new communities. The Vigil, presided over by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, was experienced with solemnity and devotion, offering a moment of profound spiritual significance for the Salesian Family.
The Vigil highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit as the guide of the Church and its Christian mission, giving participants an opportunity to renew their commitment in the light of the Gospel. The Consultation’s participation in this event strengthened their sense of universal communion and their bond with the Church, underlining the role of the Salesian Family as a prophetic and missionary presence.
Saturday proved to be a pivotal day for the World Consultation of the Salesian Family, offering moments of reflection, dialogue, and intense spirituality. From the Eucharistic Celebration to the Pentecost Vigil, every moment deepened the connection between faith, identity, and mission, leaving participants inspired to live their calling with renewed passion and authenticity.
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