CONSULTA ANNUALE IN ARGENTINA

14 January 2021

Abbiamo vissuto la Consultazione annuale -che si è tenuta in videoconferenza tra il 28 e il 30 dicembre 2020- al termine di un anno molto difficile per tutti, come una grazia, un dono di Dio, un'occasione per crescere nel senso del "noi" tra religiosi e laici.

I partecipanti a questa Consultazione sono stati 35: 24 religiosi (23 giuseppini, 1 murialdina) e 11 laici, sottolineando l'aspetto positivo di questa presenza che rappresenta tanti collaboratori nelle nostre opere e segna il cammino della corresponsabilità nell'ambito della Famiglia di Murialdo e del carisma.

Nel suo saluto il P. Generale, riferendosi alla lettera "Patris Corde" di papa Francesco e al "coraggio creativo" di san Giuseppe, ci invitava a "progettare, inventare, incontrare" con fede e decisione, confidando in Dio e nella forza della sua Parola, nonostante la nostra fragilità, e anche a chiederci se siamo sempre, con la nostra testimonianza di vita, il "lievito capace di far lievitare tutta la farina" (Mt 13,33).

"Camminare insieme" è stato lo sforzo e il desiderio evidenziato nella Consultazione: è la nostra vocazione e il nostro impegno.

Abbiamo elaborato un programma in continuità (del programma del Capitolo), nell'ascolto dei segni dei tempi (sinodalità, corresponsabilità, collegialità, pandemia, Anno di San Giuseppe, Patto educativo globale, Anno della famiglia) con uno sguardo contemplativo, più realistico, speranzoso, misericordioso e tenero sulle nostre debolezze; lo sguardo di Dio su di noi. La misericordia non abbandona mai coloro che sono lasciati indietro.

Dobbiamo guardare a questo tempo con occhi che sanno essere incantati, anche con quello che chiamiamo "vuoto", che non è mai completamente vuoto.

Uno sguardo che benedice, che sa mettere in evidenza e valorizzare ciò che è positivo, e non tanto per fermarsi al negativo.

Uno sguardo misericordioso che vede Dio venire incontro a noi in ogni momento e in ogni persona: ci perdona, ci abbraccia, ci consola, ci sfida, ci incoraggia.

Abbiamo avuto molti problemi nel 2020 e non sappiamo cosa accadrà nel 2021, ma siamo invitati a guardare oltre i nostri problemi, risvegliando il senso di essere "fratelli tutti".

Crediamo nello Spirito Santo, nel Dio dell'Amore e della Speranza, presente e futuro dei nostri cammini.

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Week Two: "Hope That Transforms: Young People in the Service of Life"

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The “Square Kilometer of Charity” on the Path to UNESCO World Heritage Status: The Journey of Murialdo’s Legacy

In the heart of Turin, in an area spanning just a few hundred meters in the Valdocco neighborhood, beats an ancient and extraordinary heart. It was here, during the 19th century, that a remarkably high concentration of charitable works managed by Turin’s “Social Saints” took root—including our beloved founder St. Leonard Murialdo, St. John Bosco, St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, St. Joseph Cafasso, St. Joseph Allamano, and the Marquises Giulia and Tancredi di Barolo. A blessed area that history has christened the “Square Kilometer of Charity”, where concrete responses in the form of hospitality, education, and social redemption have forever transformed the lives of the poorest and the marginalized. On October 8, 2026, a step of fundamental importance was taken: the Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed, officially launching the process to nominate the “Square Kilometer of Charity” for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Promoted by the Coordination Committee of the Social and Health Integration Area (which brings together the region’s historic charitable institutions), the agreement launches a rigorous phase of research, cataloging, and promotion of the priceless historical, archival, spiritual, and educational heritage preserved in these streets. Let us accompany this important institutional and cultural journey with our prayers and enthusiasm. The contribution of St. Leonard Murialdo, together with that of the other great witnesses to the faith in Turin—the “social saints”— represents a living source of charity that continues to form and educate younger generations throughout the world.

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Father Ettore, a Witness to God’s Mercy: 25 Years of Remembrance and Gratitude

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