(ANS – Rome) – Called together by the Youth Ministry Department, between 23 and 25 March twelve Salesians from various Regions came to the Generalate to draw up  a theological reflection as part of the final stage in the process of Rethinking Salesian Youth Ministry: updating the “Fundamental Frame of Reference. Salesian Youth Ministry.”

Taking part were Fr Alberto Martelli (Italy); Fr José Luís Plascencia Moncayo (UPS); Fr Gregoire Kifuayi  Nzilimpiem (Cameroun); Fr Koldo Gutierrez Cuesta (Spain); Fr Charles Maria Antonysamy (India); Fr Carlo Loots (Belgium); Fr Marcello Baek (Korea). With this group were also the members of the Youth Ministry Department: Fr Robert Simon David; Bro. Mario Olmos; Fr Miguel Angel García; and Fr Rafael Borges with the Councillor Fr Fabio Attard in the chair.

The work of the group was a profound theological and Salesian reflection on the whole methodological and operative approach to ministry. The indispensible key element was that of tying in the Salesian Youth Ministry process with that of the Church, especially in the present significant time of challenge to pastoral work. Under discussion was a pastoral approach suited to the current renewed ecclesial context and with a sound theological foundation to Salesian identity and mission.

The implications of the centrality of evangelisation in the formation process and in pastoral work were considered together with harmony between education and evangelisation. An approach centred on the young person rooted in the Salesian charism and identity was identified. The determining role of the witness provided within the Educative-Pastoral Community, that was courageous, and capable of presenting the pastoral goals was noted.

“It is not a question of adding of changing anything, but rather of re-focusing the procedures for education to the faith as the mission of the Church” Fr García observed. This process requires not only a updating of language but also a conscious re-alignment of pastoral work within theological reflection. That is to say, once again giving to pastoral work its genuine formative role for the Salesian pastor, a formation in view of the mission.

Published 26/03/2012