| Italy – The Centenary of the consecration of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Bologna |
| Haiti – Life begins again |
| RMG – A new group in the Salesian Family |
The programme of the Assembly held between 26 June and 4 July included general assemblies, group meetings and a pilgrimage to Turin on 30 June. The main aims of the Ist General Assembly were an evaluation of the previous years and planning for the next six years in the three fundamental aspects of the CMB Association: formation and spirituality, community life and the mission. The positive results enabled there to emerge a close agreement among the members of the various groups and the presentation of proposals for further development of the Community and of its educative activity.
The Assembly Theme – “From Emmaus towards Jerusalem with a specific identity. The discovery of a gift about which we cannot be silent.” – led to an historical survey of the life of the CMB with the eyes of faith, of its community and pastoral progress. The work undertaken with the conviction that “Jesus the Lord is truly walking with us ,” also dealt with the issues of belonging, of the structure of the community, and of communication.
Particular attention was given to the pastoral activities which emphasised the State of Mission, one of the specific characteristics of Salesian identity and typical of the CMB. In its discussions the Assembly recognised that the three values-attitudes of trust, hope and covenant become: believing (that Christ reaches the hearts of the young); awakening (their attention); co-involving (their sense of responsibility); creating relationships (that is occasions for dialogue at various levels).
On Tuesday 29 June the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul, the Acts of Commitment of 9 members of the Community were celebrated. The Act of Commitment is the first of the three community acts provided for by the Rule of Life of the CMB; the other two steps in the process of belonging fully to the CMB are the Act of Faith and the Act of Dedication.
On Saturday 3 July the new General Council of the Community was elected and is composed of Guido Pedroni (General Guardian), Andrea Bongiovanni (Deputy General Guardian), Marco Zacchini (General Spiritual Guardian), Rita Terenziani (Secretary General), Maria Maddalena Morritti (Economer General).
On Sunday morning 4 July, Fr Vaclav Klement, General Councillor for the Missions, gave a concluding talk about missionary animation. The CMB, in addition to its front-line work in Haiti, has told the Councillor for the Missions that it is available for another commitment. Fr Klement suggested Africa, and following correspondence with Fr Jorge Crisafulli, Superior of the Vice Province of English-speaking West Africa, CMB is getting ready to go to Ghana.
On Monday 5 July, in the context of the Assembly, the Rector Major and his Vicar in via della Pisana, Rome received the members of the CMB, who renewed their commitment to and links with the Salesian Family. On this occasion in the presence of Fr Jacques Charles, the first three volunteers due to leave for Haiti were introduced.
Published 08/07/2010
