You Shall Be My Witnesses: Salesians Rooted in Christ, Witnesses in Mission

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About Course

This is a six-day spiritual retreat for the Salesians of Don Bosco. Originally given to the Salesians in the Province of Eastern Africa (AFE), it is appropriate for all Salesians. The Retreat is designed in the context of the 150th anniversary of the 1st expedition of the missionaries sent by Don Bosco himself to Patagonia, Argentina, offering an opportunity to reflect on the missionary dimension of the Salesian vocation.

What Will You Learn?

  • Salesians who take this retreat will reflect deeply on the missionary dimension of their Salesian vocation.
  • They will experience a renewal of their interior life
  • They will reflect through the Word of God and the Constitutions and discover the unfathomable riches of God's presence in their mission.

Course Content

BACKGROUND TO THE RETREAT

  • 0.01 – Housekeeping and Preliminaries
  • 0.02 – Orientation and Opening Remarks
  • 0.03 – Closing Prayer

RETREAT DAY 1 – CONFERENCE 1: THE CALL TO BE WITNESSES
Today we reflect on the Salesian Witness and the role Mary in our lives

RETREAT DAY 1 – CONFERENCE 2: MARY IN OUR LIVE AS SALESIANS
Our focus for the present reflection is the existential role of Mary in our present life

RETREAT DAY 2 – CONFERENCE 3: UNION WITH GOD – OUR CONTEMPLATIVE APPROACH TO THE MISSION
Dear Confreres, as we gather for this moment of spiritual renewal, let us turn our hearts to the profound mystery of our calling: union with God. Our vocation as Salesians invites us to embrace a life where contemplation and mission are inseparably intertwined. Like Don Bosco, we are called to remain rooted in God's presence, drawing strength and inspiration from our communion with Him to serve the young with tireless zeal. Today, we reflect on how our contemplative union with God fuels our apostolic mission, shaping us as men of prayer, witnesses of hope, and instruments of God's love in a world yearning for meaning. Let us open our hearts to rediscover the joy and power of abiding in the Lord, for it is from this sacred intimacy that our mission flows.

RETREAT DAY 2 – CONFERENCE 4:COUNTERING DISCOURAGEMENT IN MISSION
Dear confreres, as we gather to reflect on countering discouragement in mission, we are reminded of St. Paul's words to the Galatians: "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6). Likewise, the Lord's message to the church in Ephesus speaks powerfully to us: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (Revelation 2:4-5). These passages challenge us to confront the subtle ways in which discouragement and weariness can lead us to stray from our first fervor in the mission entrusted to us. Today, let us return to that foundational love—the passionate, sacrificial love that first called us to follow Christ and to dedicate our lives to the salvation of souls. Let us seek renewal in His grace, drawing strength to persevere in fidelity to our mission.

RETREAT DAY 3 – CONFERENCE 5: OPERATING FROM SPIRITUAL/INNER FREEDOM

RETREAT DAY 3: CONFERENCE 6: “YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER” – HOLY SPIRIT, OUR POWER IN MISSION
From the very foundation of our congregation, the Holy Spirit is at work guiding the congregation. The Salesian needs to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, the inspirer of the charism, to make an impact and remain authentically rooted in the charismatic identity.

RETREAT DAY 4 – CONFERENCE 7: CONVERTED AND RENEWED
We reflect on and pray today for the grace of conversion - turn back to the Lord in our true selves.

RETREAT DAY 4 – CONFERENCE 8: EXPERIENCING THE MOVEMENT OF GRACE – INNER HEALING
Renewal in the inside

RETREAT DAY 5 – CONFERENCE 9 – WINNING TRIUMPH FOR THE CONGREGATION
"Every fatigue sustained for the love of our Master, the good Jesus, will be greatly rewarded" (Don Bosco)

RETREAT DAY 5 – CONFERENCE 10: COME, LET US TALK IT OVER – CELEBRATING THE MERCY OF GOD
We celebrate the wonderful mercy of God.

RETREAT DAY 6 – CONFERENCE 11: GO AND TELL – HEALED AND SENT
At the close of the retreat, go, bear fruits, for you will be my witnesses!

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