2017 Salesian Family Spirituality Days in Rome (III): Never forget the Loving Kindness!

By Our Own Correspondent

Salesianum, Rome, 22 January 2017 -- Four full days of the annual Salesian Family Spirituality world level meeting in Rome is over. Close to 400 participants shared and deepen during the weekend the 2017 Strenna of the Rector Major focused on Family ministry.  Representatives from 21 different groups of Salesian Family coming from 4 continents were deeply touched by many family story-telling: adoptions, foster care, counselling, family support networks, group homes, marriage preparation, care for the single mothers or box-babies, family movements within the SF. Rich variety of commitment for and with the families inspired those who are not yet involved in family ministry.

On the last day the 'resolutions or insights' were shared in front of the large Assembly: special care about non-accompanied minor refugees or migrants in Europe, couples involved in vocation ministry, provincial commission for families or advocacy for family human rights. As expressed by the Salesian Cooperators: We are called to become more credible witnesses of Christ in family and marriage.

The Rector Major personally present all 4 days to listen, to share and to take photos with each one of the participants. At the end the 10th successor of Don Bosco highlighted:

• a great hope that each group will take a specific inspiration for concrete action in family ministry


• a great degree of convergence of all talks (Scripture, Pastoral, Theology) and life experience sharing from different countries (Italy, Spain, Slovakia)


• few practical points for living the preventive system in family (for family and with families) environment.

"As Pope Francis told us in Valdocco (June 2015) 'You have educated me with affection, never forget it in your life and mission!' never forget the loving kindness, always start with affection! Please, bring it to all your places and you will see miracles." Stressed in his conclusion.

Encouraged to keep always hearts and door of our families and communities open, especially for families. Challenged all present that accompaniment should be our mission, to be present among families, without judgement, this might be a true revolution, when the participants return home.

One of the EAO participants expressed his inner most feeling: "Thanks for everything in these four days. Our days in Pisana were very wonderful. These sharings in our Japan - Korea group will be unforgettable for me. I felt that we touched the core of the Salesian Charism through the sharing of Caritas Sisters of Jesus. I think I can bring something to share with the members of Salesian Family back home."

Indeed this Salesian Family Spirituality days is open to any province or SF group around the world. We expect next January 2018 more participants from the EAO region!

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