(ANS – Rome) – Between 25 and 27 May, at the Generalate in Rome, representantives of the various groups of the Salesian Family came together for the annual meeting of the World Consultative Committee of the Salesian Family. The main items on the agenda were the study of the “Charter of Identity” of the Salesian Family, a first presentation of the topic of the Strenna for 2013 and an exchange of news from the various groups.

Among those taking part were several of the Superiors General and of the Founders: Fr Chávez, Rector Major of the Salesians; the Founder of “The Disciples”, Fr Joseph D’Souza; the Councillor for the Salesian Family from the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sr. Maria Luisa Miranda; the President of the Association of the Mary Help of Christians , Mr. Tullio Lucca; the World President of the Past Pupils Dr. Francesco Muceo; the Head of the Volunteers with Don Bosco, Mr. Liborio Scibetta; and the General Coordinator of the Witnesses of the Risen Lord , Mr. Lello Nicastro. Fr Adriano Bregolin chaired the meeting.

On Friday afternoon 25, the Vicar of the Rector Major Fr Adriano Bregolin gave a welcoming address and the groups taking part introduced themselves. On Saturday morning 26 Fr Bregolin presented the “Charter of the Charismatic Identity of the Salesian Family of Don Bosco”. Each group gave an account of the plans and strategies to make the text known within their group. A recurring theme was the presentation of the document in the various plans for initial or ongoing formation.

In the afternoon the Rector Major presented an outline of the topic for the Strenna for 2013. Fr Chávez mentioned three points : a re-presentation of the “upright citizen” and the “good Christian”; a higher quality return among the young; an education coming from the heart.

After a Mass celebrated with the Salesian community of the Generalate on Sunday 27, there was a presentation of the work of the groups of the Salesian Family. Some suggestions were also made about the next in the series of the Spirituality Days planned for 17 - 20 January 2013.

The Consultative Comnmittee will meet again between 17 and 19 May 2013.

In the Salesian Family there are 30 groups including religious, consecrated persons and lay people sharing the charism of Don Bosco.

Published 28/05/2012