(ANS – Turin) – On the morning of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Salesian Family gathered at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin–Valdocco for the concluding Eucharistic Celebration of the 44th Salesian Family Spirituality Days, presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard. This pivotal moment offered a spiritual synthesis of the journey, where listening to the Word and participating in the Eucharist provided guidance and discernment for participants as they prepared to continue their mission.

The Eucharist: Heart and Synthesis of the Journey

In the prayerful atmosphere of a Basilica filled with members of Salesian groups from around the world, the final celebration served as the heart and synthesis of the entire experience. The Eucharist connected every reflection, meeting, and testimony back to its source, offering all participants an opportunity to renew their openness to the Lord and to the educational and pastoral mission entrusted by Don Bosco to his Family.

“Serving”: The Concrete Form of Christian Discipleship

In his homily, the Rector Major guided the assembly through a meditation on service as an essential dimension of Christian discipleship, in harmony with the Strenna 2026: “Do Whatever He Tells You.” Drawing from the Sunday readings, Fr. Attard emphasized that service is not an optional addition to Christian vocation but its beating heart, where faith takes shape and becomes a credible witness.

Referencing the prophet Isaiah, St. Paul, the Responsorial Psalm, and John the Baptist, the Rector Major highlighted that a believer’s identity arises from being called and chosen for a life of self-giving. Service, he affirmed, flows not from moral effort or guilt, but from an authentic encounter with God’s love, which frees the heart and enables it to say with truth: “Here I am, I come to do your will.”

Service as Expression of Authentic Faith

Central to the homily was the idea that authentic faith is recognized through concrete service, lived freely, generously, and without seeking personal recognition. When service is lived in the style of the Gospel, it becomes contagious, fosters freedom, and opens new paths for others. In a world marked by loneliness, indifference, and competition, Christian service stands as a prophetic gesture, restoring dignity to people and building communities rooted in fraternity.

“Do Whatever He Tells You”: A Mandate for the Future

In conclusion, Fr. Attard recalled Mary’s words at the Wedding at Cana: “Do whatever he tells you,” presenting them as a life and mission program for the entire Salesian Family. Recognizing the signs of the times, rooting deeply in Christ, living the call with inner freedom, and serving with joy and generosity are concrete steps for embodying the Strenna 2026 in personal and communal life.

Sent into the World with Mary Help of Christians

The celebration ended in an atmosphere of gratitude and renewed missionary zeal. Entrusting themselves to Mary Help of Christians, participants received a silent yet eloquent mandate: to return to their communities as disciple-servants, bearers of hope, closeness, and educational love, especially toward the poorest and most fragile youth.