(ANS - Rome) -Representatives of the groups of the Salesian Family gathered from 30 May to 1 June at the Salesian Generalate in Rome for the annual meeting of the World Advisory Council. Among the topics discussed were: sharing of plans, projects and experiences of the different groups; reflection on the significance for the Salesian Family of the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco.

Calendar of events for the years 2014-2015; presentation of the Frame of Reference for Salesian Youth Ministry; collection of proposals for the animation of the Salesian Family in the six-year period 2014-2020; evaluation of the organization of the Spirituality Days.

There was a total of forty people, representing twenty-three  of the thirty groups that make up the Salesian Family. Among the participants were Superior Generals and founders: Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians; Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; Sr. Maria Graziella Benghini, Mother General of the Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Maritza Valentiner, World President of the Damas Salesianas; Fr Joseph D'Souza,  founder of The Disciples; Deacon Guido Pedroni, Custodian General and founder of the Community of the Mission of Don Bosco; Raphael Nicastro, the General Coordinator of the Witnesses of the Risen Lord; Naomi Bertola, World Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators; Francis Muceo, World President of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco; Paola Staiano, President of the Past Pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. World councillors of the other groups were also present. The meeting was led by Fr José Pastor Ramírez, coordinator of the Salesian Family and World Delegate of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.

The meeting opened on the Friday afternoon with the Rector Major’s greeting to the participants. The representatives of the groups of the Salesian Family introduced themselves and reported on their activities of the past year.

On the Saturday the Rector Major gave ​​an historical excursus on the strenna, pointing out that "it cannot be considered a formation plan for the year, but it certainly draws attention to what unites the various groups." He then announced the theme of the Strenna for 2015.

Fr Fabio Attard and Fr Miguel Ángel García then introduced the Frame of Reference of Salesian Youth Ministry.

Mr . Tullio Lucca then spoke about the Seventh International Congress of Mary Help of Christians. It will be held in Turin from 6 to 9 August 2015 on the theme Hic domus mea, mea inde gloria mea.  (Here is my home , my glory will come from here.)  The Postulator General for the Causes of Saints, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, then presented the updated list of saints, blessed, venerable and  servants of God of the Salesian Family. He emphasized "that a cause for beatification is never a dry procedural matter, but a pilgrimage of faith in research, meditation and imitation of the virtuous heroism of the saints."

On the Sunday, after the celebration of the Eucharist, there was an evaluation of the 2014 Spirituality Days. The participants had a chance to offer comments and recommendations. Suggestions were made for the organization of the 2015 Spirituality Days.

Ángel Gudiña, Youth Vice-President of the World Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, then spoke about the initiative promoted by the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco in requesting that the 2014 Prince of Asturias Concordia prize be awarded to the Salesian Congregation.

The Rector Major concluded proceedings by saying that the meeting had been characterized by an atmosphere of fraternity and sharing typical of the Salesian charism. He also suggested three goals to be achieved for 2015: read, study and put into practice the Charter of Identity of the Salesian Family in the Provincial and General Councils of the different groups; growth in mutual knowledge, fraternity and cooperation of various groups of the Salesian Family in each local and Provincial area; study of the figure of Don Bosco and knowledge of the various groups of the Salesian Family and a commitment to make them known .

The next World Council will take place 29 to 31 May, 2015.

Published  02/02/2014