ANS News
ROME, JULY 8, 2008: With a letter addressed to all the Salesians in the world, the Rector 
Major Fr Pascual Chávez officially announced the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Foundation of the Salesian Congregation in 2009. Recalled on several occasions, especially during the 26th General Chapter and mentioned as the event behind the choice of the Strenna for 2009, the anniversary reminds us of the meeting held on December 18, 1859 in Don Bosco’s room at the Oratory of St Francis in Valdocco, Turin, where those invited – according to the minutes of Fr Alasonatti - decided “to band themselves into a Society or Congregation, while aiming at the sanctification of each member, by mutual assistance would strive to promote God’s glory and the salvation of souls, especially those in greater need of instruction and formation.” 2009, described by Fr Chávez as “A year of Grace,” ought to help Salesians to remember their origins and the purpose for which they have been called. During this same year, the relics of Don Bosco, enclosed in a special casket will begin a pilgrimage around the 8 Regions of the Congregation, in this way launching the process of preparation for the celebration of the second centenary of the birth of Don Bosco in 2015. Opening on 31 January, the feast of Don Bosco, the Year of Grace will be marked by several special dates and events: the feast of Mary Help of Christians, moved to 25 May because the Ascension falls on the 24th, the 24 June, Don Bosco’s nameday, 16 August, his birthday. Particular emphasis will be given to 8 December when the Salesians throughout the world will be invited to renew their religious Profession. In order to provide material for a process of reflection and further study in this “year of grace” the Rector Major has set up a working party coordinated by Fr Francesco Cereda, Councillor for Formation.
Major Fr Pascual Chávez officially announced the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Foundation of the Salesian Congregation in 2009. Recalled on several occasions, especially during the 26th General Chapter and mentioned as the event behind the choice of the Strenna for 2009, the anniversary reminds us of the meeting held on December 18, 1859 in Don Bosco’s room at the Oratory of St Francis in Valdocco, Turin, where those invited – according to the minutes of Fr Alasonatti - decided “to band themselves into a Society or Congregation, while aiming at the sanctification of each member, by mutual assistance would strive to promote God’s glory and the salvation of souls, especially those in greater need of instruction and formation.” 2009, described by Fr Chávez as “A year of Grace,” ought to help Salesians to remember their origins and the purpose for which they have been called. During this same year, the relics of Don Bosco, enclosed in a special casket will begin a pilgrimage around the 8 Regions of the Congregation, in this way launching the process of preparation for the celebration of the second centenary of the birth of Don Bosco in 2015. Opening on 31 January, the feast of Don Bosco, the Year of Grace will be marked by several special dates and events: the feast of Mary Help of Christians, moved to 25 May because the Ascension falls on the 24th, the 24 June, Don Bosco’s nameday, 16 August, his birthday. Particular emphasis will be given to 8 December when the Salesians throughout the world will be invited to renew their religious Profession. In order to provide material for a process of reflection and further study in this “year of grace” the Rector Major has set up a working party coordinated by Fr Francesco Cereda, Councillor for Formation.