Rector major's greeting as GC28 fast approaches

By Our Own Correspondent

RMG, 8 September 2018 -- On the Feastday of Nativity of Our Lady, September 8, the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime released his letter included in the Acts of the General Council n. 428 with a threefold message: (1) The “Hour” of the General Chapter 28 and young people; (2) How is our Congregation getting on? – What weaknesses are more apparent? and (3) The missionary spirit of the Congregation, a source of hope.

In brief the main highlights of this letter, quoting also the voice of two young people (SYM animator) talking to the Salesians as well the main points of his talk shared already in the animation visits in 70 provinces during past 4 years:

The hour of the GC28

" ....Dear Confreres, let us ask the young people, all of them: those close to us and those further away or those from whom we are at some distance. Let us ask them what they want from us; how we can help them, and how they can help us to be like Don Bosco more faithful to the Lord. Let us not miss this opportuntity. Together with us Salesians of Don Bosco they can be other people with a part to play in our Chapter. Their participation in the Chapter Assembly will be – I presume - “symbolic”; but even if they cannot take part physically in all the stages of the GC28, they will make their presence felt through their words – youthful, strong, courageous and even “daring” which we will accept with an open heart...

How is our Congregation getting on?

• ...Young people continue to be at the center of our mission, especially the poorest and most in need.
• ... Evangelization and education to the faith continue to be the main feature of our Congregation.
• ... Significant effort in the formation of formation personnel.
• ... Significant effort in the field of economy and transparency

What weaknesses are more apparent?

• ... Weaker manner in which we bear the witness. We feel more comfortable to do things and organize, than bearing witness through our way of living
• ... We still have to continue to grow in the coming years in the sense of identity and of belonging to our Congregation
• ... Pope Francis mentioned to us, religious superiors already in 2014 the temptation to clericalism and temptation to seek for power

The missionary spirit of the Congregation as source of hope

• ... the Congregation will continue to enjoy good health if it continues to maintain and to intensify its own missionary character....the response to the missionary call is another of the great blessings and a sure way of fidelity for the Congregation.."

Full text of Rector Major's letter is available on the Boscolink

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