Hajja Salesjana April June 2018

6 Last January, I had the opportunity to be at the Salesian Family Days in Valdocco. This was not the first time I participated in this event, but it was certainly the most powerful. For a start, the event was held at a place that is very dear to us Salesians. In Valdocco, Don Bosco actualised the Da Mihi Animas that was synonymous with his whole life and mission. Even today, the Salesian Family is entrusted with accompanying the young – this, above everything else in our lives, is our mission and priority. Members from numerous branches of the Salesian Family started flocking into Valdocco from the eve of the Family Days – nationalities ranged from Peruvian to Canadian, from Slovak to Korean. Malta was also present in the form of five persons – three lay collaborators at St Patrick’s, two novices (Raphel Axisa and Matthew Alfino) currently training at Pinerolo, and one VDB. By Thursday afternoon, at the start of the seminar, the air was buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Thursday evening was dedicated to introductions on the theme of the Family Days and this year’s Strenna: “Lord, give me to drink”. The following morning saw the first of several stimulating talks at the seminar. Sr Paola Casalis FMA gave her talk using several images. The one that struck me most was the Francoise Nielly (2010) picture, portraying the face of a child. Sr Paola asked, “Who am I if nobody sees me?” At the heart of any accompaniment with the young, a deeply loving gaze penetrates their heart and invites a response. Such is the core of every vocation. Her talk concluded with the picture of the Virgin of Silence, inviting us to become persons who listen – it is only through listening that we offer a home for the young. Within that space, they can be truly themselves and truly at home. The second day offered an illuminating talk by Fr Juan Crespo SDB who spoke about discernment during spiritual companionship. He elaborated on the kind of accompaniment that becomes a space for God’s presence, and therefore allows for the emergence of truth. Indeed, discernment calls for an understanding of the way that God relates to us. On Saturday, then, Fr Michal Vojtas SDB spoke about the Salesian art of meeting, companionship, and discernment. In a truly enriching speech, Fr Michal outlined how Don Bosco revised his understanding of companionship through his own experience of being accompanied by several spiritual guides. Throughout his life journey, he remained a disciple – this was his identity as a spiritual companion. As normally happens at Salesian meetings, the Family Days programme was jam packed with events and celebrations. Among these, Lord give me this water! A personal sharing on the recent Salesian Family days at Valdocco by a local VDB