Volume 1, Issue 2 February 2019 THE JANUARY MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR from the DON ANGEL FERNANDEZ ARTIME, SDB “The Multicolored Face of Don Bosco Today” Dear friends of the and the experiences we have had making him sick to his stomach, Salesian Bulletin, I greet in these past months. As I listened, and that brought him to the deci- you most cordially. You my thoughts flew in all directions sion that he had to do all he could must know that for Don when hearing the many different, to help keep those young men Bosco the Salesian Bul- beautiful, and at times challenging and boys from returning to such a letin was one of the testimonies. This is why I chose the place. In those African nations most precious means that he had title I did for this article, for today today, the reality is no better than to make known all the good that he Don Bosco truly has a what Don Bosco knew. These and his Salesian Family were (and “multicolored face”: young people, too, look forward are) doing. We listened as one of the counci- to the daily visit of their Salesian As I write to you, I am thinking of lors described how in Yakutsk, in friends. #Holiness for you, too! January, the month in which we will the middle of Siberian Russia, I inquired about our presence in participate in in 6,000 km/3,700 miles east of Mos- another African nation that I had In this issue: Panama together with young peo- cow, the Salesian community lives visited and where we take in ple and Francis, and the among and accompanies its peo- boys, girls, and teenagers who In, With, and For the 2-3 month of Don Bosco’s feast day, ple, few of whom are Catholics. (In had been kidnapped for the pur- Church January 31, which, God willing, I will fact, there were 15 at Holy pose of harvesting their vital or- Salesian Family of 4-5 celebrate there as well. The people on the Sunday he was there.) Still, gans. Thanks to the Lord, they February of Panama have such a great vener- they share the daily joys and diffi- were saved by the police, and we Mary, Teacher of the 6-7 ation for Don Bosco that more than culties of those people. were asked to take care of them Spiritual Life 700,000 participate in the proces- Another councilor shared how until we could find their families. sion on his feast day. Yes! That one’s heart is touched by the ac- They often remain with us for Our Family Album 8 number is correct – more than companiment given the very many years. 700,000 people. poor families and the difficulties Then I shared the very beautiful IMPORTANT Though I am looking toward Janu- they face at the Mexican border experience I had myself when DATES ary, the very Salesian month with crossing points of Nuevo Laredo, visiting various Salesian houses in so many feast days of our saints, a Ciudad Juarez, and Tijuana, among Korea where boys – generally,  February 1: Liturgical Com- month dedicated to the Salesian others. He spoke of how the Salesi- teens and young adults – who memorations: deceased SDB; Family and Don Bosco, presently, as ans live there to accompany these have been sentenced for a minor deceased Benefactors of the I write these lines, I am engaged families and educate their children Sisters and Salesian Family offense live with us in genuine Members (FMA Reg. 38) with the general council meeting so that they can become freer each family spirit, feeling truly “at that has just begun. This is when day from the drug- and sex-  February-May: Visitations of Fr. home.” Instead of being sent to Tim Ploch, SDB, and Sr. Chantal the Salesian general councilors trafficking rings. some other place where they Mukase, FMA return to to gather with the I listened while another of our would be deprived of their free-  April 18 - 150th of Founding of Rector Major to “report” on their Salesian confreres recounted his dom, they come for a few months ADMA visits around the Salesian world on visit to Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra or a year into a Salesian house  May 24/25 - Marian Day, Stony every continent, in one or other of Leone. There we Salesians accom- that provides a rehabilitation Point, NY our 1,936 presences. Many of them pany young people who are in program. It was a joy to hear from  June 28-30 - Forming the have just spent four months accom- prison, just as Don Bosco did 170 three judges whom I met that Formator Workshop, Stony panying the confreres in one of our years ago in the Generala, ’s more than 85% of those young Point, NY provinces. youth prison. It was Don Bosco’s men and boys are definitively  Nov. 7-10 - ADMA International Several hours at the beginning of experience in the prisons when he rehabilitated and do not return to Congress VIII, Buenos Aires: our meeting were dedicated to was a young that left such a delinquency. Register here sharing with each other how we are great impression on him, including (continued on page 2) Page 2 In, With, and For the Church S. F. Snippets

(Rector Major Letter, cont. from page 1) Salesian Cooperator World Congress V This is another face of Don Bosco today – by Fr. Thomas Dunne, SDB this time, with Asiatic-Korean features. From October 25-28, 2018, approximately 350 Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, Rector Major, While listening to all these stories, it Salesian Cooperators and Delegates from all parts announced the appointment of Mr. Antonio struck me that Don Bosco must be happy of the world participated in 5th World Congress Boccia (center) from Trecase, Italy, as the on account of his sons and daughters in of the Salesian Cooperators in Rome. Five Salesi- new World Coordinator. the Salesian Family who are still today an Cooperators and two Delegates from the intent upon being faithful to the charism three North American Cooperator provinces were that God raised up in him. And I felt great in attendance. joy while listening to all these reports – which are only the tip of the iceberg – The theme was “Co-responsibility in the Salesian about the great good that is being done Mission.” The Cooperators are called to take for so many people. This made me think responsibility for Don Bosco’s mission rather than that today Don Bosco’s face has many simply “help out” with FMA and SDB initiatives: colors that he himself probably never  A six-year plan for the Salesian Cooperator imagined. community world-wide was explored. I am sharing these things with you, dear  Ways to deepen and develop the Salesian Co- friends, readers of the Salesian Bulletin, operator vocation were developed. From Canada and USA (L to R): Johanna because I believe that we ought to spread Carpentier, Fr. Tom Dunne, SDB, Liz Gamarra,  The newly approved Animating Economic Soli- Carla Comin, Judy Alvarez, and Mike Alvarez the good news of the very many beautiful darity document, a guideline for maintaining (Sr. M. Guadalupe Medina, FMA, not pictured) things that are happening and that are the Association in fiscal co-responsibility and going to happen. A long time ago I learned Documents and videos from the Congress autonomy while in spiritual and charismatic the Chinese proverb, “A falling tree makes can be found here. more noise than a growing forest.” This is communion within the Salesian Family, was precisely how it seems to be. Well, then, distributed. these reflections are what I wish to share with you – although they are just a tiny part of the silent growth in our forest. FMA Past Pupils International American Congress IV Happy feast of Don Bosco! We will re- by Sr. Maryann Schaefer, FMA member you in Panama in the midst of a On October 30, 2018, Sr. Teresa Gutierrez, and Sr. This, my first experience of a Past Pupil Con- wonderful multitude of young people. Maryann Schaefer, departed for Santo Domingo, gress, drew me deeper into understanding DR, for the IV International Congress of FMA Past how we are truly Salesian Family, creating a Affectionately, Pupils of the Americas. Approximately 300 past network for good around the world. Don Angel pupils and their delegates gathered at the Arch- Any man or woman who has lived the experi- Rector Major diocesan Retreat Center from November 1-5. ence of the Salesian values, imparted to him/ Also representing the USA and Canada were six her by the Daughters of Mary Help of Chris- past pupils, along with Sr. Guadalupe Medina tians, regardless of religious, cultural, social, from the Western Province. and ethnic affiliation, may request to join. Are you an FMA Past Pupil? Do you know Leading us were the President of the Internation- Members share, deepen, and witness the anyone who is and who would like to join al Federation, Maria Maghini, Sr. Maria Louisa human and religious values in which he/she the Official Past Pupil Association - or is Miranda, FMA General Councilor for the Salesian was educated, according to the Preventive already one from another country and is Family, and Maria Castillon, Regional delegate. System of Don Bosco (Reason, Religion, and now living in our Province? Contact: Kindness). They support and promote: young The theme of the days was “Technology and the people; women; the elderly; the defense of new generations”. The impact, use, and direction USA East: life, of the family, of human rights, and of of technology in our lives were the topics pre- Sr. Maryann Schaefer, FMA peace; constructive youth leadership, espe- sented by various speakers. Cell: 813-404-9040 cially of those most at-risk; one’s own person- Email: [email protected] The closing was a show of colored umbrellas, al formation and mutual support within the from which each small group took a personal Association. Canada: proposal (e.g., yellow = hope: “We will promote Sr. Alphonsine Roy hope to all we meet”). The young street girls, [email protected] served by the Sisters of Mother Mazzarello (416) 744-8805 house, performed for us. Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 2 RISEUP by Sr. Corazon Beboso, FMA Sr. Antoinette Cedrone, FMA, and I returned With ready materials - calling cards and sign- from CCOCalgary (Catholic Christian Out- ups - and personal encounters, we have invit- reach) on January 1 with hearts full of joy and ed them to the possibility of joining our thanksgiving to the Lord for having attended “Come and See” this February, in Surrey espe- this Congress, which began on Dec. 28, 2018. cially. It is Vocation-rich with opportunities. Also it One thing also that added to our many con- was like a Pentecost of witnessing youth After the talk, we met young women who had tacts is that I was invited by CCO to give a 10 ready to make commitments to the Lord in connected with us through the talk, and who Vocation Testimony during the Vocation service or evangelization and Priestly and/or now had more vocation questions. Brunch only for Women (men have their own Religious Life. Vocation Brunch simultaneously). “The Testi- We shared a vocation table with our Brother We met wonderful young adults from all over mony of my Vocation” followed the theme of Salesians, Fr. Jim Berning and Bro. Dan Glass. Canada most especially from Vancouver, Sur- the episode in John 1:38 “Come and This became the hub of our encounters. We rey, and British Columbia cities plus Calgary See.” It gave the structure to my talk and my carry these contacts in our hearts, in prayer. and Edmonton (Alberta province) as well as own discovery and living the Call, in our Sale- https://cco.ca/rise-up Ontario and Quebec. sian flavor.

SEEK 2019 by Br. Quang Damien Ho, SDB “I didn’t know young people have a patron good number of them took a chance by asking ,” was one of the many reactions of the our vocation directors about a Salesian reli- young people who stopped by the Salesian gious vocation or even an SLM experience Family booth at the SEEK conference this past with Rudin. On a personal note, I think weekend. Whether they were there to learn this FOCUS event was very successful by in- how to juggle with Sister Jen, make rosary portunity to evangelize by sharing the Salesi- viting speakers with keynotes and breakout bracelets with the Salesian men in formation, an mission and charism as well. sessions that had great impact. These, paired see a cool magic trick by Father Dominic, play with creative activities and opportunities, From January 4-7, seeing over 17,000 college portable Ping-Pong with Sister Lillian, or simp- attract the Catholic college student popula- students being open to the faith was perhaps ly collect the free trinkets, the Salesian Family tion. The event was formative, prayerful, and the most rewarding part of the Seek confer- was present to the young people at Seek interactive, as well as a great space to en- ence this year. With a strong emphasis on 2019. All of this was, of course, to give the counter the young; all of these elements mission, the young people were asked to participants an experience of Don Bosco’s made it possible to plant the Salesian Oratory discern what it is that God may be calling oratory. While entertaining and drawing peo- in the heart of Indianapolis. each one of them to. Taking this initiative, a ple in with these activities, we took the op- Final Document of Synod 2018

World Youth Day 2019 “For whom am I?” adapted from ANS “We Are Don Bosco": this is the motto that wide Associations of the Lay Faithful, especially the Salesian Missionary Offices of the whole the 100,000+ of ADMA, the 26,000+ Salesian world launched on the occasion of the WYD Cooperators, and the 225,000+ officially regis- of Panama2019 and in view of the Feast of tered in the SDB and FMA Past Pupils’ Associa- the Saint of Youth on January 31st. The thou- tions , who are serving the most needy young sands of pilgrims from the Salesian areas who people, following his model and his style; in the have gathered these days in Panama are 3 million people who have gone through Salesi- therefore invited to bear witness to their an training programs; in the 5,500 Salesian Salesianity by spreading the message. schools in the world, in the 330 shelters for With "We Are Don Bosco," we want to spread young people in difficulty, in the 1,100 voca- the message that Don Bosco is still alive to- tional training centers … Further information is day: in the 390,000 SDB, FMA, Secular Conse- available here: www.missionidonbosco.org and crated, other Religious Orders of the Salesian http://salesianmissions.org/wyd Family, and the scores of laity in the world- #WeAreDonBosco and #IAmSalesian Page 4 Our Salesian Saints of February S. F. Snippets Bl. Pope Pius IX, Salesian Cooperator (1792-1878)

Don Bosco had his During his Pontificate, Pius IX approved the culty,” he would say, “when dealing with the first audience Constitutions of the Salesian Society, the Insti- papacy and the Church.” But the Pope too with Pius IX on tute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Chris- had great esteem for Don Bosco and called March 9, 1858. tians, and the Pious Union of Salesian Cooper- him to Rome often to ask his help on delicate Both of them had ators, and became a Cooperator himself. It issues. the feeling they was at his insistence that Don Bosco admitted On December 8, 1854, he defined the dogma had encountered women to the Salesian Cooperators. “When of the . In 1869, he a Saint. Pius IX the Pope saw no mention of women Coopera- called Vatican Council I, and proclaimed St. supported and tors he expressly disapproved of their exclu- Patron of the Universal Church on Elevated to Papacy: guided St. John sion. ‘Women have always played a leading December 8, 1870. On June 16, 1875, he con- June 16, 1846 Bosco in the role in the performance of good works in gen- secrated the Church to the Sacred Heart of Memorial: Feb. 8 founding of the eral, in the life of the Church, and in the con- Jesus. He died in February, 1878, after 32 Fortitude Salesian Congre- version of nations,’ he said. ‘By their very na- years of Pontificate. John Paul II beatified him gation. It was he ture they are charitable and zealous in spon- on September 3, 2000. who suggested calling it a “Society” (in step soring good works, even more so than men. If with the times) and having vows, but not you exclude them you will deprive yourself of solemn vows. He suggested a simple habit the very best help.’” (Biographical Memoirs, and an intense spiritual life but not too com- vol. XI, p. 62) plicated practices of piety. He convinced Don Don Bosco had great love for Pius IX and ac- For more on the life stories of our Saints, Bosco to write his memoirs to leave the Sale- cepted all his advice, even when it cost him click here sians a spiritual legacy. great sacrifice: “I am ready to face any diffi-

Bl. Sr. Eusebia Palomino Yenes, FMA, (1899-1933) Eusebia Palomino Yenes was born in the west tory. The Sisters invited her to stay with them of Spain, on December 15, 1899. Augustine as a helper. Oddly enough, the kitchen be- Palomino’s family was very poor. At certain came her place for educating, and the Sisters times of the year, Eusebia and her father had would often visit the kitchen to get a kind to go begging in nearby villages, but they did word from this young woman. so with joy and singular faith. After professing as a Daughter of Mary Help Augustine was a man of faith. He taught his of Christians in 1924, Sr. Eusebia was sent to daughter her faith, and she was keen to learn Valverde del Camino in the role of cook and the Mysteries of Our Lord. Eusebia worked domestic help. She carried out her ordinary and prayed and was loved in her family. The service extraordinarily, as Don Bosco had day of her First Holy Communion was one wanted, so much so that the Lord filled her that Eusebia experienced intensely. Soon with His gifts. The girls always wanted to be after, she was employed to help a well-to-do near her, attracted by her spirituality. She family. She did not stop giving attention to began to work in the Oratory. Seminarians, her growth as an adolescent, putting her adults and asked her advice, encour- friendship with Jesus in first place. aged by her spirit of prayer and convinced Eusebia really wanted to become a Sister. and convincing faith. One day, while hoeing, she found a medal of Before Eusebia died, she had visions and went Declared Blessed: April 25, 2004 Mary Help of Christians. Soon afterwards, a into ecstasies. She went to the Lord on the mysterious friend led her to the Sisters’ Ora- February 10, 1933. Memorial: February 9 Humility

Books, videos, and posters of some of our Saints may be ordered from Salesian Missions in New Rochelle: [email protected] - 914-633-8344 - Jan 2019 Catalogue Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 5 Salesian Proto-Martyrs Sts. Callixtus Caravario, SDB, and Luigi Versiglia, SDB

Callixtus Caravario was born at Cuorgné, in the Louis was born in Oliva Gessi () on June 5, 1873. province of Turin, on June 18, 1903. From his earli- As a youth, Louis had a great love of serving at Mass. est years, he seemed naturally inclined to prayer At age twelve, he entered the Oratory where he was and loved his mother very much. At age five, he fascinated by Don Bosco. In 1888, soon after Don and his family moved to Turin, close to the Porta Bosco’s death, Louis was greatly impressed by the Nuova Oratory. He served at daily Mass. On the ceremony where seven missionaries received their advice of Fr. Garelli, the Rector of the Oratory, mission crosses. Not long after, he decided to be- Callixtus entered the Novitiate and became a Sale- come a Salesian, with the hope of going to the mis- sian. In 1922, Bishop Versiglia spoke of the foreign sions. missions to the young Salesians in Turin. Callixtus In 1918, the Salesians received the mission of told him: "Bishop, you will see me in ." Callix- Shiuchow from the Vicar Apostolic of Canton, and on tus kept his word. January 9, 1921, Fr. Versiglia was consecrated its Callixtus and his mother remained close through- bishop. Wise, tireless, and poor, he constantly set out out his life. His mother told Fr. Garelli: “I am willing to visit and encourage the confreres and Christians in to leave my son in Don Bosco’s hands.” Fr. Callixtus his diocese. Whenever he arrived, the villages held a asked his mother’s prayers: “My good mother, feast - especially the children. He was a true pastor, pray that your Callixtus may not be just a half- completely dedicated to his flock. He gave the Vicari- priest but completely the priest.” ate a solid structure with its own seminary, house of Callixtus was sent to Macao, and then to Timor for formation, and planned residences and hospitals for two years where he edified everyone with his the elderly and those in need. He looked after the goodness and apostolic zeal. On May 18, 1929, formation of catechists with much care. Callixtus returned to Shiuchow, where Bishop Ver- siglia ordained him a priest and entrusted him with the mission at Linchow. In a short time, he had visited all the families and earned the love of the school children. The three catechists whose lives were saved: Clara, Paola, and Maria

Martyrdom Meanwhile, in China the political situation had become very tense, especially for Christians and foreign missionaries. Persecutions began. On February 13, 1930, Bishop Versiglia was with Fr. Caravario in Siuchow for the pastoral visit to the Linchow mission. Some young boys and girls were with them. On February 25th, a group of Bolshevik pirates stopped the bishop’s boat, wanting to take the girls. The bishop and Fr Caravario obstructed them with all the force they could muster. They were forcibly taken and eventually shot. Before they were killed, they heard one an- other’s confession. Their last breath was spent for their beloved China. Pope Paul VI declared Bishop Versiglia and Fr. Caravario martyrs in 1976. Pope John Paul II declared them Blessed in 1983 and canonized them on October 1, 2000. Feast: February 25

1926 -

Don 1926 - Caravario, Bishop Catechist Versiglia at among Shanghai, the with his orphans newly baptized Page 6 Mary, Teacher of the Spiritual Life S. F. Snippets

by Fr Pierluigi Cameroni ing pleasing to God, in filial obedience to the provocation to break with the planning mind- World spiritual animator of ADMA will of God and in the exercise of the corporal set which, if it becomes extreme, leads to Mary is not only an example for the whole and spiritual works of mercy, in the ways that narcissism and withdrawal. Jesus invites the Church in the exercise of divine worship but is the Holy Spirit indicates, as well as through young man to step into a mindset of faith that also, clearly, a teacher of the spiritual life for human mediations (husband and wife, par- challenges his life once he follows Christ, pre- individual Christians. The faithful at a very ents, spiritual director, and friends in the ceded and accompanied by an intense loving early date began to look to Mary and to imi- Lord ...). gaze: “Jesus looked at him and loved him. tate her in making their lives an act of wor- ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell every- We too, following the example of Mary, are ship of God and making their worship a com- thing you have and give to the poor, and you called to be educators and companions of the mitment of their lives. As early as the fourth will have treasure in heaven. Then come, young on the journey of searching and adher- century, St. , speaking to the people, follow me.’” (Mk. 10:21) (Instrumentum La- ing to the will of God. expressed the hope that each of them would boris, no. 84). have the spirit of Mary in order to glorify God. During the period of youth, identity is forged. 2. Mary, Don Bosco’s teacher “May the heart of Mary be in each Christian At this time, marked by complexity, fragmen- to proclaim the greatness of the Lord; may tation and uncertainty about the future, form- In the dream at nine years of age, young John her spirit be in everyone to exult in God.” (63) ing a life plan is difficult, if not impossible. In Bosco was entrusted to the guidance of the But Mary is above all the example of that this crisis situation, the contribution offered Mary. "I will give you a teacher. Under worship that consists in making one's life an by the Church is often focused on supporting her guidance you can become wise. Without offering to God. This is an ancient and ever good life choices. In the most fortunate cases, her, all wisdom is foolishness." Mary was an new doctrine that each individual can hear and wherever young people are more recep- effective guide and a sure help in learning and again by heeding the Church's teaching, but tive, this kind of pastoral care helps them exercising willingness to listen and to under- also by heeding the voice of the Virgin herself. discover their vocation which, at the end of take a journey of faith and vocational discern- Anticipating the wonderful petition of the the day, is a term that can be applied only to ment. Lord's Prayer - "Your will be done" (Mt. 6:10) - a few fortunate individuals and it marks the In the Bible, the wise person is the one who she replied to God's messenger: "I am the culmination of a project. But does not this has hit the mark in life, who puts his trust in handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said way of doing things risk reducing and under- God, who builds his house on the firm rock of be done to me" (Lk. 1:38). And Mary's "yes" is mining the full truth of the term “vocation”? the Word and of the will of God. The fool is for all Christians a lesson and example of obe- In this respect, it is helpful to recall the en- the one who places himself in the centre, who dience to the will of the Father, which is the counter between Jesus and the rich young depends on the judgment of men instead of way and the means of one's own sanctifica- man (see Mt. 19:16-22; Mk.10:17- placing himself under the gaze of God, as did tion. (Marialis Cultus, no. 21). 22; Lk. 10:25-28). There, we see that the Mary the humble servant of the Lord. Wis-

1. To walk in the Spirit and to entrust oneself Teacher from Nazareth does not endorse the dom gives taste and a sense of direction to to Mary young man’s life plan, nor does he suggest life. Foolishness drains life and renders it how to achieve it; he does not recommend bland. At the beginning of every authentic The titles of Mother and Teacher of Spiritual additional commitments, nor does he want to journey of faith and of every vocational life summarize the essential features of Mary fill the emptiness of the young man who search there is the awareness of one's limita- as a spiritual icon of the Church and of every asked him: ‘What do I still lack?’; at least, he tions, of one's own inadequacy and poverty, single believer. Both titles contain a specific does not want to fill this emptiness by endors- which only God's love can fill. It is a question reference to spirituality and they indicate the ing the young man’s ideas for his future. Jesus of following a path towards a goal which is essential role of Mary in the spiritual life of does not fill his emptiness, but rather asks the discovered only within the following of Christ, Christians. In fact, the summit of the spiritual young man to empty himself and make room in dialogue and relationship with the Master. life is conformation to Jesus Christ. Mary for a new vision that is directed towards self- It is not clear from the beginning, as if it were shows us how to conform ourselves to her giving through a new approach to life, gener- the result of a project of which we are mas- Son, to ensure that the face of the Master is ated by the encounter with Him who is ‘the ters and of which we hold the key, so that we delineated in us, so that we make him visible way, the truth and the life’ (Jn. 14:6). In this can foresee all the details. It becomes appar- in our daily lives. It is a question of every disci- way, through a real loss of direction, Jesus ent in the gaze of faith which "‘sees’ to the ple being with the Master, listening to him asks the young man to reconfigure his entire extent that it journeys, to the extent that it and learning from him always. This - life. It is a call to embrace risk, to lose what chooses to enter into the horizons opened up ship translates into making one's life an offer- has already been acquired, to trust. It is a by God’s word.” (Lumen Fidei, no. 9). Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 7

It was only at the end of his life that Don educational pathways that engage people in Prayer to Mary Mother and Teacher of the the difficult and exciting art of accompanying Bosco was able to understand the dream he Spiritual Life young generations and families themselves; had at the age of nine. During the only Mass O Father, we praise you, we bless you, we to the manner of celebrations, because in the he celebrated in the Basilica of the Sacred glorify you, as we remember the Blessed ever liturgy the style of a Church that is summoned Heart in Rome, at the altar of Mary Help of Virgin Mary, Mother and Teacher of the Spir- by God to be his family is manifested… One Christians, he was able to grasp the meaning itual Life. Intimately associated with the mys- Episcopal Conference states that “in the midst of those prophetic words: "In due time you tery of Christ the Redeemer, she continues to of their noisy and chaotic lives, many young generate new children with the Church. She will understand everything." And the saint of people are asking the Church to be a spiritual attracts them to you by her example and by joy burst into a long and irrepressible cry of home”. Helping young people unify their the power of her love she leads them to per- intimate emotion, and heartfelt gratitude in lives, constantly threatened by uncertainty, fect love. At her school we rediscover the mod- the awareness of God’s fidelity to his promise. fragmentation and fragility, is decisive nowa- el of evangelical life. We learn to love you Now he was ready to sing his "Nunc dimittis", days. To many young people who live in frag- above everything else and to serve you in our ile or broken families, it is important to per- because with the eyes of faith he had seen brothers with the same solicitude. Grant that, ceive the Church as a true family that is able the salvation prepared for so many young inspired by her example and protected by her to “adopt” them as her own children. help, we may be faithful to our Baptismal people and others to whom the Lord had sent (Instrumentum Laboris, no. 178). commitments and serve you wholeheartedly him. in order to witness to the world the wonders 3. A family experience of Church Start an ADMA Group now! of your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

The family plays an indispensable role in the journey of faith. Vocational discernment be- comes fruitful especially when parents repre- sent a model of faith and dedication and a source of inspiration. Parents are always the first witnesses. Unfortunately, the opposite can also happen, when the emphasis that the family places on success in economic or ca- reer terms ends up hindering the possibility of a serious journey in faith. Sometimes family failure, difficulties, divisions and the fragility of families are a source of suffering for many young people and make them disillusioned regarding the possibility of looking at the future in terms of long-term hope. Finally, young people expect to be accompanied not by inflexible judges, nor by fearful and over- protective parents who generate depend- ence, but by someone who is not afraid of their weakness and knows how to let the treasure shine that he keeps inside like a clay vase (see II Cor. 4).

One of the most fruitful outcomes of the re- newed pastoral attention to the family that has emerged over the last few years has been the rediscovery of the Church’s family- oriented nature. The statement that the Church and parishes are a «family of fami- lies» (see Amoris Laetitia, nos. 87 and 202) is powerful and guides us in understanding her form. This image refers to relational styles, where the family becomes the matrix for the Church’s own experience; to formative mod- els of a spiritual nature that involve affec- tions, generate ties and convert the heart; to