SDB & FMA General Council spiritual retreat 2016

By Fr Vaclav Klement, SDB

Santa Fosca, Italy, 2 July 2016 -- “Misericordes Sicut Pater” (Merciful as the Father) was the main theme of the joint spiritual retreat of both General councils preached by a Salesian Scripture scholar and Bishop Mauro Maria Morfino (Diocese of Alghero – Bosa, Sardegna).

The whole group of 16 FMA including Mother Yvonne Reungaut and 15 SDB including the Rector Major Fr. Ángel Fernandez Artime was hosted in the Santa Fosca di Cadore (Belluno, Northern Italy) retreat house in a wonderful weather and paradise-like natural environment of the Dolomites region (1400 meter above sea level).

Joint SDB-FMA General councils annual retreat was resumed after 12 years break (Santa Fosca, 2004), was well organized long time ahead by both Vicars (Fr. Francesco Cereda and Sr. Chiara Cazzuola), well animated with joint musician contribution. Especially all participants appreciated the deep talks with a strong Salesian touch of Bishop Mauro, who was preaching already his 150th retreat. On the reconciliation day the retreatants did a pilgrimage to nearby Shrine of Our Lady of Grace where they passed through the Holy Door.

The Good Night Talks were shared by the Rector Major and Mother General. The topics about the value of communion and grateful heart for the gift of Salesian Charism. Also the challenge to see more Salesians who fall in love with God, who attract through their fraternity and family spirit witness and are able to serve the young people of today.

We can ask about the fruits of this special spiritual retreat. Praying and sharing together as a family for one whole week is a good and precious occasion to appreciate and know each other. It creates a condition for both Congregations to offer some new visible sign of the effective communion, as requested by Bishop Mauro during his final talk. Indeed in many provinces worldwide there are regular annual SDB-FMA retreats or provincial councils meeting that brings many fruits in communion and joint mission for the young people. Shall we try?

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