(ANS – Rome) – The second meeting of the International Theological and Salesian Pastoral Team was held at the Generalate On November 26 and 27. The work of the group, guided by the Youth Ministry Councillor, Fr Fabio Attard, made a further contribution to the process of rethinking Salesian Youth Ministry.

The direction initiated by the Department for Youth Ministry, in the wake of the 26th General Chapter, foresees the involvement of various bodies, the integration of theoretical reflection and practice. It is a process that involves various working groups.

The International Theological and Salesian Pastoral Team is one of these groups. Made up of well-prepared Salesian representatives from various Regions around the world where Salesians are working, it is engaged in revising and updating "Salesian Youth Ministry. Fundamental frame of reference " (Rome, 1981, 2002) from a theological, pastoral and spiritual viewpoint.

Those taking part were the same as for the earlier meeting, viz., Fr Alberto Martelli (Italy); Fr Jose Luis Plascencia Moncayo (UPS); Fr Gregoire Kifuayi Nzilimpiem (Cameroon); Fr Koldo Gutierrez Cuesta (Spain); Fr Charles Maria Antonysamy (India); Fr Carlo Loots (Belgium); Fr Marcello Baek (Korea); Fr Miguel Angel Garcia (Department of Youth Ministry).

The meeting is part of the second phase of the process of rethinking Salesian Youth Ministry which also takes into account the growing reflection in the provinces in recent times.

The document was filled out over two days and, above all, defined the theological and anthropological approach to the pastoral significance of Salesian activity. It is an updated approach so that the "Fundamental frame of reference " can offer a theological, pastoral and charismatic basis for the Salesian mission that fits into the wider Church, offering a particularly charismatic reading of history.

Among the issues discussed were: the clearer integration of Theology and the Salesian spirit, theological criteria and pastoral decisions in view of a more explicit commitment to evangelisation and a deepening of the relationship between evangelization and education.

Without as yet going into methodological issues of pastoral activity the Team has provided a deeper appreciation of Salesian Youth Spirituality emerging from the exercise of pastoral charity and a missionary dynamic which results from encountering young people in today's culture. Charismatic attention to the poor was stressed; also, the acceptance and respect for diversity; listening, relationship, dialogue in the contexts of the various geographical areas in which the Salesians operate.

At a time when both the Church and the Salesian Congregation are reflecting on their pastoral activity, the Team has delved into the importance of the Pastoral and Educative Project and of the Pastoral and Educative Community for leadership that is more than ever a pastoral mindset.

Published 28/11/2012