By Fr. Lanfranco Fedrigotti, SDB
Hong Kong, 1 January 2016 - When we are now reading the fresh commentary to the Strenna 2016 of the Rector Major 'WITH JESUS, let us pursue the adventure of the Spirit together!' we can be helped in this adventure also by St. Francis de Sales. This year of 2016 occurs also one special 'Salesian' anniversary:
"The peace of the Lord be with you always! Happy conclusion of DB200 and happy beginning of FS400! As announced at the end of my last letter for DB200, with this letter I begin to share with you my reflections regarding the 400th Anniversary of the publication by Francis de Sales (FS!) of his masterpiece “The Treatise on the Love of God” (1616-2016).
... "This FS400 is a private initiative of the China Provincial, limited to encouraging our personal reflection and to continue our common appreciation of our Salesian heritage. Unlike the reflection format of DB200 that had a “charismatic double word”, this year each month I will reflect on just one “charismatic single word” in SF400. (from the Circular of CIN provincial, September 2015)
From September on, in his simple one page circular letters, we can find some keys offered by St. Francis de Sales in his 'Filotea' (Introduction to the Devout Life) or in this 'Theotimus' (The Treatise on the Love of God').
Last September is was a short reflection on the adverb 'Salesian' (in Chinese 慈幼), in October about 'Give me the souls' and finally in December about Charity-God's Love in our hearts.
Since the younger Salesian generations are less familiar with our 'Grand-father' St. Francis de Sales, this creative invitation from China province might be a good inspiration for our 2016 adventure in the Spirit!
NB: Right after the end of the DB200 celebrations last August, the China provincial is sending every month his 'Circular' (both in Chinese and English) to the Young People, Mission Partners, Brothers and Sisters of the Salesian Family - based on the St. Francis de Sales spirituality points. All of them are available in BOSCOLINK.
