| RMG – Consultative Committee of the Salesian Family 2012 |
| RMG – Salesian Family: forthcoming Charter of Salesian Identity |
| Preparation for the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco |
23 of the 28 groups which make up the Salesian Family were represented at the gathering. To be singled our are some Superiors General and Founders: Fr Chávez, Salesian Rector Major; Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the Salesian Sisters (FMA); Sr. Carmelina Mosca, Mother General of the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SOSC); Maritza Valentiner, World President of the “Damas Salesianas”; the founder of “The Disciples”, Fr Joseph D’Souza; the Superior of the Handmaids of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sr. Wilaiwan Yonpaladyod; the Guardian General and founder of the Community of the Mission of Don Bosco (CMB), Deacon Guido Pedroni. Fr Adrian Bregolin and Fr José Pastor Ramírez, coordinator of the Salesian Family, led the meeting.
The opening session in the afternoon of Friday 27th began with greetings from the Rector Major and from his Vicar, Fr Bregolin and an introductory presentation of the groups taking part. On Saturday 28th the Rector Major presented the ‘Charter of Salesian Identity’. The document, which had been presented the previous year for study and observations, was presented anew to the Advisory council for any final suggestions.
The other subject matter was the three-year preparation for the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco. Commenting on the letter sent to the Salesians the previous 31st January, Fr Chavez encouraged the members present to consider various initiatives which each group would take up, relating to the three themes proposed: knowledge of Don Bosco’s life-story, his pedagogy and his spirituality.
Following the celebration of the Eucharist, there was a general assembly which examined the guidelines of the next Strenna, which would also form part of the preparation for the bicentenary.
At the ‘Good night’, which brought together the members of the Advisory Council and the Generalate community, Fr Bregolin remarked on the richness of the variety of groups in the Salesian Family, and the spirit of ‘missio ad gentes’ which many groups take inspiration from.
On Sunday 29th, following the community Mass, the groups completed their presentation phase and shared their observations as they looked to the next Spirituality Days, starting with that of equal participation and sharing in the assembly.
Finally, Fr Pastor Ramírez presented a first draft of the Ongoing Formation Project for the ‘Emmaus’ group of the Salesian Family, which he had been worked on together with Sr. Maria Trigila, FMA World Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators. The aim of the Emmaus Project is to offer a life-giving formation experience that will help members of the Salesian Family to think, plan and work together. The course which will be held at the Salesian house in Cremisan, Israel, will aim to provide a deeper understanding of St Mark’s Gospel, the Charter of Salesian Identity, ‘lectio divina’ done in a Salesian way, and of essential elements for Salesian Youth Ministry. Pilgrimages and guided visits in the footsteps of Jesus are also planned.
The Retreat for the Salesian Family Advisory Council, provisionally arranged to start on the 26th May 2012, will mark the launching of the Emmaus Project. The first session will take place in 2013.
Published 30/05/2011
