Hajja Salesjana October-November 2020

H AJJA S ALESJANA 16 2. Neither adapt to the culture in fashion, nor take refuge in a heroic but already disembodied past. In changing times it is good to pay good attention to St. Paul’s words to Timothy: “For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline” (2 Tim 1:6-7). 3. Cultivate a contemplative attitude , one that is able to identify and discern the focal points. This will help you to enter into the journey with the spirit and the contribution of Don Bosco’s sons and, like him, to develop a “bold cultural revolution” (Enc. Laudato Si’ , n. 114). ‘TheValdocco Option’ Pope Francis to the Salesians (ANS - Rome) Pope Francis really wanted to be present at the 28th General Chapter of the Salesians held in March 2020 in Turin-Valdocco, the house where Don Bosco knew how to create a real school of holiness. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, it was not possible for him to do so, but the Holy Father made himself present anyway with a letter written in his own hand to the Salesians, as a sign of closeness, affection and gratitude for the formation he received. Here are 10 sentences that still resonate as programmatic of that letter of his called “The Valdocco option”. 1. The noise of the oratories . I am sure that the noise and chatter of the oratories will be the best and most effective music for the Spirit to rekindle the charismatic gift of your founder. Do not shut the windows to this background noise... The original Valdocco in Turin 1845