(ANS – Hyderabad) – On 10 November  the Seminar on Planning and Development Offices ended,  and a “roadmap” was drawn up leading to 2015. In the  conclusions each Province will have greater involvement: in the Provincial Structural Plan, in strengthening the competences of the PDO, in the Salesian formation of the professional staff and achievement of the main objective of the PDO, i.e. promoting work for the most needy young people.

Among the main results achieved should be mentioned the clearer identification of the PDO and its role: it is a body which can have its own juridical personality (NGO), founded and accompanied by the Salesian Province (C.44, C.58, of the Salesian Constitutions), dedicated entirely to the service of the Salesian charism of the Province. It plays its part in the restructuring, re-defining and re-dimensioning of Salesian works.

The PDO is guided by the values of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church, the Preventive System, the Salesian Constitutions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as by the needs of the local Church and those of the young. The PDO therefore  gives its attention to the young, especially the most vulnerable, helping them to grow through  a gradual and long-term process to become good Christians and upright citizens.

The PDO provides support in the process of planning, development,  implementation and assessment of the Provincial Structural Plan  and of the Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan (SEPPS), ensuring sustainability. It works under the guidance and the supervision of the Provincial Council and collaborates with Social Communication and Youth Ministry, in a complementary manner, with team work and in an atmosphere of respect and mutual assistance.

It works with competent and committed professionals, who have received an appropriate formation in the analysis of the social context, the management of the cycle of projects, financial management and Salesianity and other technical and Salesian formation linked to their activities.

As well as agreeing on these points  those taking part asked that the next General Chapter 27 should provide some time for reflection on this structure.

Published 14/11/2011