Ángel Fernández Artime – “Lord, give me this water” (John 4:15). Let us cultivate the art of listening and of accompaniment” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

This letter introduces the Strenna, an annual message to the Salesian Family, focusing on the theme of “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment” in preparation for the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. It highlights the importance of listening and personal accompaniment, drawing inspiration from the Gospel story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. The Strenna emphasizes the need for the Salesian Family to prioritize supporting youth in their faith journey and discernment process, recognizing that our presence and engagement are more impactful than any activity offered.

Contents:

• Presentation.
• An encounter that does not leave indifferent: “Listening”.
  • A Form of Listening that is reception and personal encounter.

• An encounter that pushes the person forward: “Discerning”.
  • Faith and Vocation to the Joy of Love.
  • The Gift of Discernmen: recognizing, interpreting, chosing.
• An encounter that transforms life: “Accompanying”.
  • Accompanying, like Jesus.
  • Don Bosco, Educator and Spiritual Guide of His Young People.
• In view of what kind of pastoral action? Vocational discernment as suggested by Pope Francis.
• In company with the Samaritan woman.

Reference time period: 2018

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB