(ANS - Rome) - The General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation is an event which concerns not only the Salesians of Don Bosco. The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Roman Curia, bishops of various dioceses and leaders and representatives of almost all the groups of the Salesian Family.

All the guests were warmly welcomed by the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, at the beginning of his speech. Their presence was not just an act, but an expression of sincere friendship. Many of the representatives of the various religious families came to thank Fr Chávez at the end of his twelve years as Rector Major.

Fr Chávez mentioned, in particular, the presence of Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, four Salesian Cardinals Bertone, Farina, Rodríguez Maradiaga and Ezzati, Bishop Gino Reali of the diocese of Porto-Santa Rufina (in which the Generalate is located), of Salesian Past Pupil, Bishop Brugnaro and of Mother Yvonne Reungoat.

After the address of the Rector Major and the intervention of Cardinal Braz de Aviz, some of the other guests spoke. The first was Cardinal Bertone, representing the Salesian Bishops and Cardinals. He spoke of "their unwavering attachment to the Salesian charism, their closeness, even physical, to many Salesian works in the world, and their fraternal passion for the anxieties and joys of the youth ministry in the various countries."

Next to speak was Mother Reungoat, Superior of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who pointed to the similarity of views between the two Salesian Congregations: "In our twenty-third General Chapter which will take place from September to November 2014, the preparatory documents emphasize the theme of family as the fulcrum of our ministry with young people. The importance of the home and the family are among the greatest insights of Don Bosco. Our prophecy begins there. (...) It is a spirit that bears witness to fraternity, joy in our vocation and enthusiasm for the mission."

The World Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators then spoke, emphasizing the common elements of the different groups within the Salesian Family. She said to the Salesians: "On our common path to holiness your presence at our side will become increasingly important, with the spiritual accompaniment you offer to sustain us in our ongoing formation and our growth in holiness, in our different roles."

The Central Leader of the  Don Bosco Volunteers also repeated, on behalf of the whole Salesian Family, their sense of gratitude to Fr Chávez. She said that in his twelve years as Rector Major, "there has been a growing  awareness of this great spiritual and charismatic community that gives the Church and the world an original contribution in educational and pastoral ministry."

At 13:05 local time, when all the contributions were finished, Fr Francis Cereda, Moderator of GC27 declared: "In accordance with the General Regulations, with the approval of and on behalf of the President Fr Pascual Chávez, asking God’s help, through the mediation of the Lord Jesus, with the light of the Holy Spirit and through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, I declare the twenty-seventh General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales open.”

Published 03/03/2014