“As Salesians, we cannot effectively guide others, especially the young,
unless we ourselves have experienced the richness of spiritual accompaniment”
By SC THA
Valdocco, 28 August 2024 -- The 7th edition of the School of Salesian spiritual accompaniment began on 19 August, and will end on 21 September 2025. Fr Matthew Kitichai Saisawang from the THA Province, along with 23 Salesians from 16 countries and 19 provinces, gathered at Valdocco, the heart of Don Bosco’s spirituality, which continues to inspire us today.
In the first week of our spiritual accompaniment course, we followed in Don Bosco’s footsteps, particularly at the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi and Convitto Ecclesiastico, where St. Joseph Cafasso guided him as his spiritual director. Don Bosco’s spirituality was enriched by the wisdom of saints like St. Francis de Sales, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Philip Neri, along with the charitable example of Giulia di Barolo. Their influence shaped the path we now walk as Salesians.
In the second week, we retreated to the peaceful Salesian house near the Lakes of Avigliana for a time of silence and deep prayer, just as Don Bosco did in his moments of discernment at the Sanctuary of St Ignatius. As we journey on, we will visit Don Bosco’s childhood home at Colle Don Bosco, reflecting on the spiritual seeds planted in his early life.
For Fr Kitichai, this course is a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual accompaniment, not only for ourselves but for the young people we are called to guide, following Don Bosco’s example. As Salesians, we cannot effectively guide others, especially the young, unless we ourselves have experienced the richness of spiritual accompaniment.
