(ANS - Rome)- On 1 September, Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major sent all Provincials and members of Provincial Councils a communique’ on the joint meeting of the General Councils of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians which took place on 7 July last. The meeting addressed an issue considered by SDB and FMA a priority in their educational and pastoral work, namely, commitment to the care of apostolic vocations and particularly vocations to Salesian consecrated life.

Fr Cereda says: "Our intention was to research together ‘shared aspects of the vocations ministry of SDB and FMA'. Because we often work together, especially with the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement, it is important that we have a shared vision of our commitment to vocations ministry. This will also help us to have a shared action."

Then referring to the address of Pope Francis to the Salesian Family in Valdocco, he recalled his words: "Thank you for your practical approach to things ... The Salesian is practical, sees the problem, thinks about it and takes it in hand." The Vicar of the Rector Major then makes this appeal "We are therefore invited to 'take in hand' the care of vocations together as SDB and FMA and then also as the Salesian Family."

Finally, Fr Cereda stressed: "In this way the Bicentenary, especially the successful meeting of the SYM in Turin and Colle, will have a continuity of action and bring vocational fruits."

The entire communique’ can be found in the Service section.

Published 04/09/2015