Message of the Rector Major for October

THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime

I wish to continue to serve others --

in a different way. 

MY NOMINATION AS CARDINAL

[Editor's Note:  This morning, Sept. 30, Fr. Angel was made a cardinal by Pope Francis.  He composed his October message early in the month.]

I feel that I share what our holy Founder said in 1884: “I see ever more what a glorious future has been prepared for our Society, how it will spread and what good it will be able to accomplish.”

Dear friends of the Salesian charism, I send to each of you my sincere, fraternal, and affectionate greeting.

The editors of the Salesian Bulletin have “suggested” that I prepare this greeting not as I’ve done at other times, telling you of something noteworthy that I’ve experienced, but speaking of myself, of this new reality that awaits me. I’ve experienced something of what I’ve studied regarding the person of our father Don Bosco. He found it difficult to speak of himself, and still more difficult to voice what he was feeling. In my case, I have to admit that it’s a little more difficult to speak or to write of the most recent things that have happened to me; but sooner or later I have to do it, and the messages of various Salesian media that comes into the hands and the hearts of so many friends of Don Bosco’s charism is a good way of sending this personal message.

After the unexpected news (for me, especially) by which Pope Francis included my name, too, among the 21 men whom he has chosen to make cardinals of the Church at the consistory on September 30, thousands of people have asked me, especially Salesians of Don Bosco and members of the Salesian Family around the world: “What happens now? Who will guide the Congregation for the near future? What steps await us?” You can well understand that I’ve asked myself these very questions, while I’ve thanked the Lord in faith for this gift that the Holy Father has given to the Salesian Congregation and Don Bosco’s Family.

Reading with our faith, aware of the great deeds God has done and what we know through his Word, we can say that God loves surprises. It’s usual in the Bible for God to say: “Go! The road will be revealed to you.” One important thing that Don Bosco has taught us is, “Let nothing upset you, and put your trust in God’s Providence.”

I feel that I share what our holy Founder said in 1884: “I see ever more what a glorious future has been prepared for our Society, how it will spread and what good it will be able to accomplish.”

I was able to speak personally with Pope Francis after his Angelus announcement, assuring him of my availability, that he can count on me for any sort of service. I answered as Don Bosco did when he was asked to build the Sacred Heart Church in Rome—in this case, an aged and sick Don Bosco, who was also aware of the burden and the responsibility for a Congregation being born. Don Bosco answered, “If this is the Pope’s order, I obey!”

With simplicity, I told the Holy Father that we Salesians have learned from Don Bosco to be always available for the welfare of the Church, and in particular for anything the Pope might request. So, while I thank God for this gift that’s for the whole Congregation and the Salesian Family, I express my gratitude to Pope Francis by assuring him that all the members of our great Family will pray for him more fervently and intensely. As I said, our prayer will always be accompanied by our sincere and profound affection.

What happens now?

I must share with you that I’ve been deeply touched by Pope Francis’s sensitivity in our regard. He is taking into account that my service as Rector Major shouldn’t change immediately from one day to another. Therefore, about half an hour after he announced my nomination at the end of the Angelus on Sunday, July 9, the Holy Father sent me a letter in which he spoke of the time necessary for me to prepare for a general chapter of our Congregation before I take up whatever he intends to entrust to me. As always, the Holy Father has shown that he’s attentive, cordial, and particularly fond of and highly esteems the charism of Don Bosco. These sentiments in my own name and the name of the whole Salesian Family, I reciprocated.

I’d like to share with you the arrangements that the Holy Father communicated to me.

The Pope has decided that, for the benefit of our Congregation, after the consistory on September 30, 2023, I may continue my service as Rector Major until July 31, 2024. At that time, I’ll resign as Rector Major, as our Constitutions and Regulations require, so as to put myself into the Holy Fathers’ hands for the service that he’ll entrust to me.

This is as much as the Pope has communicated to me. We can expect the 29th General Chapter to meet in February 2025. My vicar, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, will assume the government of the Congregation ad interim, as our Constitutions establish, until GC29 takes place. Finally, I still have to mention and answer one other question that many of you have: what task will the Holy Father give me? Pope Francis hasn’t told me. Furthermore, I think this is ample time for what’s to be done most opportunely.

In any case, I ask all of you, dear confreres and members of the groups of our Salesian Family, to continue and intensify your prayer – above all, for Pope Francis. He asked specifically for that at the end of the private audience he granted me.

Finally, I ask also that you pray for me, as I face the prospect of a new service in the Church which, as a son of Don Bosco, I accept in filial obedience, without having sought it. I truly believe that in the Church the services we provide can’t be and must never be sought or claimed as if we were trying to make a personal career. What the “world” thinks is proper is inappropriate for us as servants in the name of Jesus. And we must differ (very much, I hope) from any worldly standard. To all this our beloved Father Don Bosco bears witness before the Lord Jesus.

I thank you for your love, the closeness you’ve expressed in these weeks with the numerous messages that have come to me from every part of the world.

I feel addressed to me the same words that the Madonna said to Don Bosco in his dream at nine years of age – whose 2nd centennial will be celebrated next year: “In due time you’ll understand everything.” And we know that for our Father that understanding came, in effect, almost at the end of his life, at the altar of Mary Help of Christians in the basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which had been consecrated the day before, on May 16, 1887. From the basilica of Mary Help of Christians I send you an affectionate and grateful greeting, entrusting everything and everyone to her, our Mother, who will continue to accompany and sustain us. As always, I greet you with immense love.

Cardinal Angel poses with 2 Salesian cardinals,

Cardinal Lopez (Rabat) and Cardinal Sturla (Montevideo).

Seeing Red

Seeing Red

With the Rector Major's elevation to cardinal coming tomorrow, I thought I might post photos of me with some cardinals. This is the only shot of a cleric who was a cardinal at the time:

Your humble blogger is performing a humble service for Cardinal Antonio Javierre, SDB, in the laundry room of the provincial house, May 21, 1995.

The other shots were taken while the cleric was a future cardinal.

With then-Archbishop Tim Dolan at the Marian Shrine, Sept. 30, 2010, when the relic of Don Bosco was being venerated there.

With Nick Trotta and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., at a reception given by the nunciature.  Nick invited me to join him at the reception, May 24, 2018, during my 2-year assignment to the SDB community in Maryland.  Abp. Pierre will be made a cardinal tomorrow.

Finally, with the Rector Major during his visit to St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester on Nov. 23 last year.  I was usually the one taking the pictures during his visit to the New York area: 

From the Eastern Front: Don Bosco's Successor Visits New Rochelle Province (sdbnews.blogspot.com)

U.S. Salesians Accompanied in Their Quinquennium

U.S. Salesians Accompanied in Their Quinquennium 

Photo: Fr. Peter Le, SDB

(Haverstraw, N.Y. – September 29, 2023) - From September 27 to 29, young Salesian brothers and priests from the U.S.-Canada provinces of San Francisco and New Rochelle gathered at the Marian Shrine for the annual quinquennium (the 1st 5 years) meeting. The was Salesian accompaniment, and their reflections were guided by several veteran confreres.

The Salesian Cardinals

Don Bosco’s Sons Who Became Cardinals
Abp. Cristobal Lopez Romero

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 29, 2023) – The 18th Salesian, in chronological order, to be admitted among the cardinals of the Catholic Church was Spaniard Cristobal Lopez Romero, called to this role by Pope Francis in the consistory of October 5, 2019. A born communicator, he has served the people of God on three continents, always using his voice and his authority to defend the rights of the weakest in the true Salesian style.

Cristobal Lopez Romero was born on May 19, 1952, in Velez-Rubio in the diocese of Almeria, in southern Spain. Shortly afterwards the family moved to Catalonia. After completing his secondary studies at the Salesian school in Gerona, he entered the Salesian novitiate in Godelleta and made his 1st profession on August 16, 1968. In Barcelona he studied philosophy (1973-1975) and theology (1975-1979). Passionate about communication, he also obtained a degree in information sciences, journalism section, from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (1982).

He continued his formation until he made his perpetual profession on August 2, 1974, and was ordained on May 19, 1979.

After priestly ordination he held the most diverse and disparate positions, first in his native Spain, and then in South America in the province of Paraguay. He took care of the pastoral care of the marginalized in La Verneda and Barcelona (1979-1984), and then youth ministry in the Salesian Institute of Asuncion (1984-1986); in his new province he then became delegate for youth and vocational ministry (1986-1992); then editor of the Salesian Bulletin in Paraguay (1991-1992); pastor in Asuncion (1992-1994); until serving a 6-year term as provincial (1994-2000).

Subsequently he was director and teacher at the Salesian Institute in Asuncion and delegate for missions (2000-2002).

In 2003 came a great new change in his life: from South America he was sent by the superiors to Morocco, to lead the Salesian community in Kenitra and its Vocational Training Center, a position he would keep until 2011.

In fact, after having carried out that mission with competence and dedication, he was recalled to South America, but this time to take over the leadership of the province of Bolivia. He thus received the task of leading the province for a 6-year period, but in the middle of his mandate, in 2014, this service was interrupted: the Congregation entrusted him with the delicate task of leading the new province of Mary Help of Christians, Spain, the result of the reorganization of the previous Spanish Salesian provinces.

But his qualities did not go unnoticed outside the Congregation, and his skills were in great demand. Thus, he was unable to complete this mandate as well: on December 29, 2017, he was appointed archbishop of Rabat by Pope Francis. On that occasion, he immediately commented on Facebook: “Today it was made public that Pope Francis has appointed me bishop of the archdiocese of Rabat .... Someone will be tempted to congratulate me: resist it by turning it into prayer for this poor sinner who has now been called to a new service in the Church.”

He received episcopal ordination on March 10, 2018, in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rabat, by the imposition of hands of Cardinal Juan José Omella, archbishop of Barcelona. He chose Adveniat regnum tuum (Thy Kingdom Come) as a motto for his ministry at the service of the small Catholic minority among the Muslim majority.

As pastor of the small flock on Moroccan soil, Abp. Lopez gave impetus to the Al Mowafaqa ecumenical institute of theology, a term which means “the agreement,” “the understanding,” the result of the friendship and contacts between his predecessor and the Lutheran pastor president of the local Evangelical Church. In addition, he has repeatedly and publicly spoken out, calling for humanitarian treatment and attention to migrants seeking access to Europe from Africa.

From March 30 to 31, 2019, he welcomed Pope Francis to his archdiocese on the occasion of the apostolic trip made by the Pontiff on the 8th centennial of the historic meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil.

He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis on October 5, 2019. When he was appointed, always with an attitude of humility, he had the opportunity to comment: “With this appointment the Pope makes visible the small Church of North Africa, almost unknown to the universal Church, and seeks to strengthen Islamic-Christian interreligious dialog.”

He was later appointed by Pope Francis as a member of the dicasteries for Interreligious Dialog and for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Homily for Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Homily for the Feast of
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Sept. 29, 2023
Collect
Provincial House, New Rochelle, N.Y.

“O God, . . . grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us…” (Collect).

Altho angel means “messenger,” the collect prays that we may be served by the angels as protectors.  That’s certainly the role attributed to St. Michael in both the Old and the New Testaments, e.g., “Michael and his angels battled against the dragon” (Rev 12:7) in defense of God’s reign over the created world.

St. Gabriel, however, does fulfill the ministry of messenger, helping Daniel interpret visions in ch. 8-9 and announcing God’s imminent intervention for our redemption to Zechariah and Mary (Luke 1).

The only other angel named in the Scriptures is Raphael, who appears only in what we could call the short story of Tobit, where he has two roles, companion and healer.  I suppose those roles could be interpreted as protective.  Or we could call them accompaniment or presence.

Thus in the Scriptures the archangels do what we in Don Bosco’s family are called to do:  to protect the young from physical and moral dangers; to bring the Good News to the young and the unevangelized and to interpret God’s Word for our time; to walk at people’s side—both the young and their elders—guiding them on their pilgrimage toward heaven; and to heal those who’ve been injured, damaged, or traumatized by what life throws at them on the way.

            We pray that the angels may protect, enlighten, and accompany us, and that we in turn may do that for God’s people, until all of us “in the presence of the angels sing [his] praise” (Ps 138:1).

The Salesian Cardinals

Don Bosco’s Sons Who Became Cardinals
Abp. Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 28, 2023) - The 2d Salesian to be created a cardinal by Pope Francis, on February 14, 2015, was Uruguayan Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet. A scholar and lecturer, with a history of holding government posts also in his home province, he is highly esteemed by Pope Francis, who has entrusted him with many responsibilities in various bodies of the Roman Curia.

Daniel Sturla was born on July 4, 1959 in Montevideo. His father was a lawyer and died when Daniel was 13, while his mother, a housewife, died 3 years later. He was the youngest of 5 children: the other siblings are Martin, who held important political positions at national level at the end of the 20th century, before an untimely death; Maria Isabel, Maria Antonia, and Maria Laura. The family attended the parish of Mary Help of Christians in Montevideo, and so the future cardinal had his first contacts with Don Bosco’s sons at a very early age.

Although he attended primary and secondary school up to the 4th year at St. John the Baptist College run by the Religious of the Holy Family, he then obtained a bachelor's degree in law at the John XXIII Institute of the Salesians in Montevideo, and there he rediscovered the figure of St. John Bosco. Attracted by his charism, he entered the Salesian novitiate and made his religious profession on January 31, 1980.

After a bachelor's degree in civil law at the John XXIII Institute, he completed his studies in philosophy and education at the Michael Rua Institute in the capital. And after his practical training from 1982 to 1983 at the Talleres Don Bosco trade school, from 1984 to 1987 he pursued his studies in theology at the Mons. Mariano Soler Institute, now the School of Theology.

On November 21, 1987, he was ordained in his first parish, that of Maria Ausiliatrice in Montevideo, and the following year he was appointed as prefect of studies at Talleres Don Bosco, a post that he held until 1990. He also worked on the early stages of the Tacurú Movement, an institution that seeks to improve the living conditions of poor adolescents. From 1991 to 1993 he was vicar of the novitiate and postnovitiate of the Uruguay Province, then from 1994 to 1996 he was director of the Salesian aspirantate and novice master. In addition, from 2003 to 2008 he was the director of the John XXIII pre-university institute and professor of church history from 2007 to 2008. During those years, he continued his studies in theology, and in 2006 he obtained his Master’s from the Mons. Mariano Soler School of Theology.

He was among the participants of the 25th and 26th General Chapters (2002 and 2008) of the Salesian Congregation. In the meantime, he began to teach church history in America and Uruguay, taking care of research and publications especially on the question of the relationship between religious institutions and state authority, a very important issue in Uruguay, a country that has made secularism one of its ideals. In 2008 he was superior of the Salesian Province of Uruguay, and he was also elected at that time as the president of the Conference of Religious of Uruguay, but he was unable to complete the envisaged 6-year term due to his sudden appointment as auxiliary bishop of Montevideo and titular bishop of Felbes, received on December 10, 2011.

He was ordained bishop on March 4, 2012 in the cathedral of Montevideo. He chose a motto, very Salesian, “Serve the Lord with joy.”

Within the Episcopal Conference of Uruguay, he was also in charge of the Department of Missions and Laity.

On February 11, 2014, Pope Francis promoted him to archbishop of Montevideo; he took office on March 9, 2014.

In 2015 Pope Francis, announced his name as a cardinal in the consistory of February 14, 2015, with St. Galla as his titular parish. He is the 2d cleric in the history of Uruguay to receive the purple, preceded on the chair of Montevideo by Capuchin Antonio Maria Barbieri, created cardinal by John XXIII in 1958.

Keeping in mind his service to the Universal Church, Pope Francis appointed him a member of the dicasteries for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; for Evangelization; of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; and of the Office for the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See.

The Salesian Cardinals

Don Bosco’s Sons Who Became Cardinals

Abp. Charles Maung Bo

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 27, 2023) – In the consistory of February 14, 2015, Pope Francis created 2 more Salesian cardinals. One was Charles Maung Bo, who was also the first Burmese cardinal in the history of the Church. Advocate for the poor, ecumenical voice of great depth, Cardinal Bo is a pastor and a Salesian who has always been committed to peace and harmony in a country that has experienced and still experiences difficult situations of conflict.

(Vatican Media)

Charles Maung Bo was born on October 29, 1948, to a farming family in Monhla, a small village in the Shwebo district in the heart of Burma (Myanmar). He is the youngest of the children of U John and Julian Daw Aye Tin. Having lost his father at the age of only 2, he was entrusted to the care of the Salesians in Mandalay, from whom he received a solid primary and secondary education. In this context his priestly vocation was born, and in the light of Don Bosco’s charism he completed all his formation, in particular the studies carried out between 1962 and 1976 in the Salesian Nazareth aspirantate at Anikasan in Pyin Oo Lwin. Here he made his first profession, on May 24, 1970, and his perpetual profession on March 10, 1976.

After being ordained in Lashio on April 9, 1976, he had his first pastoral commitment as pastor in Loihkam, where he remained until 1981, when he was recalled to Lashio to carry out the ministry of pastor until 1983. For the next two years he was a formator at the Anisakan seminary, where he himself had been a student.

In 1985 he was entrusted with the prefecture of Lashio, in the troubled State of Shan – for a year as apostolic administrator and then until 1990 as prefect apostolic. And when on July 7, 1990, the prefecture was elevated to a diocese, he became its first bishop, receiving episcopal ordination the following December 16. As his episcopal motto he chose Omnia possum in Eo: “I can do everything in Him.”

After six years, on March 13, 1996, he was transferred to the diocese of Pathein and then, in 2002, also appointed apostolic administrator of the archdiocese of Mandalay.

On May 15, 2003, he was promoted to archbishop of Rangoon (Yangon), the largest Burmese city and, at the time, the nation’s capital. He entered his new see on June 7.

Committed to strengthening the faith of a community marked by continuous difficulties and suffering, he has always worked for dialog between religions, convinced that the commitment of the various religious leaders is essential to calm the tensions that plague the country.

Within the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Myanmar, he served as president for 6 years, from 2000 to 2006; in addition, he was also secretary treasurer of the Episcopal Conference of Myanmar and responsible in the Burmese Church for the major seminary and dialog between religions.

He also played his role as an ecclesial leader at the continental level: within the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, he was head of the Office for Human Development and a member of the Commission for Religious, and on January 1, 2019, he became president of the FABC.

On January 4, 2015, after the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis announced his intention to make Abp. Bo a cardinal in the consistory that was held at St. Peter’s Basilica on February 14.

With regard to service in the Roman Curia, the Pontiff appointed him a member of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; of the Pontifical Council for Culture; and of the Dicasteries for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; for Culture and Education; and for Communication.

A strong supporter of dialogue between peoples and religions, concretely committed to the promotion of peace, reconciliation and justice in a country whose history is also marked by dictatorship and ethnic clashes, Charles Maung Bo is the first cardinal of Myanmar, a country in which the Church, despite being a numerically small presence, has always given testimony of faith in the midst of persecution.

The Salesian Cardinals

Don Bosco’s Sons Who Became Cardinals

Abp. Riccardo Ezzati

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 26, 2023) – The first Salesian to be appointed cardinal Pope Francis was an Italian who is Chilean “by adoption”: Riccardo Ezzati Andrello, at the time archbishop of Santiago, Chile, created cardinal in the consistory of February 22, 2014.

Riccardo Ezzati, often referred to as “Ricardo,” due to the many years he has spent in Chile, was born in Campiglia dei Berici, in the province of Vicenza, Italy, on January 7, 1942, to Mario Ezzati and Assunta Andrello. He completed his elementary studies in the municipal school in his district. The first sign of his vocation dates back to those years: one day the mother of a friend came to visit his family and told him about her son who was preparing to attend a Salesian vocational guidance center. He decided to follow in his footsteps, so he enrolled in the high school at Penango, in the province of Asti. And when at the age of 18 he arrived in Chile, in 1960, he immediately entered the Salesian novitiate at Quilpué.

He made his first religious profession on January 31, 1961, then studied philosophy and pedagogy at the Salesian institute affiliated with the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso, and from 1964 to 1966 he taught at Camilo Ortuzar Montt High School in Santiago.

Returning to Italy to complete his studies in theology, he took courses at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome and obtained his licentiate. Subsequently he moved to the University of Strasbourg, France, where he gained his master’s degree in religious pedagogy. Returning to Chile, he taught religion and philosophy at the Catholic University of Valparaiso, until he made his perpetual profession on December 30, 1966, and was ordained on March 18, 1970.

Admiring his loyalty to the mission and professional and human skills, the superiors entrusted him with various tasks in the following years. From 1971 to 1972 he was responsible for the pastoral care of the Salesian school in Valdivia. From 1973 to 1977 he worked in Concepcion, as superior of the local religious community and director of the Salesian school. In 1978 he was appointed director of the Salesian formation center in Santiago, as well as being named a provincial councilor.

At the same time, he also continued teaching: he taught fundamental pastoral care in the School of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and was a member and director of the Centro de Estudios y Experiencias Catequísticas. In 1984, during General Chapter 22, he was appointed provincial of the Chilean Salesians, and shortly thereafter he was also elected vice president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious Men and Women of Chile.

In 1991 he was called to the Vatican to collaborate with Archbishop Errazuriz Ossa, then secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Pope John Paul II appointed him bishop on June 28, 1996, assigning him the diocese of Valdivia, which he took possession of on September 8, 1996.

On July 10, 2001, he was transferred to the titular church of La Imperial and at the same time appointed auxiliary bishop of Santiago.

After many years of dedicated service to the Church and the people of Chile, on April 24, 2006, the President of the Republic, at the request of the National Congress, granted him Chilean citizenship “by special grace.”

On December 27, Benedict XVI appointed him archbishop of Concepcion.

In the Chilean Episcopal Conference he was a member of the pastoral committee, where he presided over the area of education for two terms. He has also been part of the seminary committee, the pastoral care of vocations, and the mixed commission of major superiors and bishops. He has been a member of the standing committee since 2007.

He also held various duties and positions within the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), including member of the Department of Consecrated Life and President of the Department of Culture and Education; he also participated, in 2007, in the historic 5th General Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Aparecida, Brazil.

On December 15, 2010, Benedict XVI appointed him archbishop of Santiago. That year the Episcopal Conference elected him its president, a position that was renewed on November 8, 2013, for another 3 years. In the Chilean capital, he aimed above all to educate people to share with the poorest. He stressed the fact that there is no shortage of goods, but a fairer and more just distribution is necessary to transform the country into a “mesa para todos” (a table for all), according to the slogan launched to raise awareness among the faithful. He called on the laity to shared responsibility in the new evangelization. Also noteworthy is his contribution to the enhancement of consecrated life, through documents and interventions.

He was created cardinal in the consistory of February 22, 2014,and  he became archbishop emeritus of Santiago on March 23, 2019, at the age of 77.

Theme of 29th General Chapter Announced

Theme of 29th General Chapter Announced

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 26, 2023) - On the occasion of the sending forth of the Salesian missionary expedition on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from Valdocco, the Rector Major announced the theme of the 29th General Chapter: “Passionate for Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young: For a faithful and prophetic experience of our Salesian vocation.”

“On the day when we celebrate the sending of missionaries in this 154th Missionary Expedition at Valdocco, as our father Don Bosco did on November 11, 1875, I also feel the joy of being able to share with you the reflection and decision we have made in these days, after conducting an extensive consultation with the provinces, regarding our 29th General Chapter,” the Rector Major stated while announcing its theme.

Presenting the highlights of the Letter of Convocation of GC29, which will be issued in accordance with Article 150 of the Salesian Constitutions and will be made public in the coming days, the Rector Major explained the deep motivations behind the choice of the theme, stating: “It is the result of a rich and profound reflection that we have carried out in the general council based on the responses received from the provinces and our vision of the Congregation at this moment.”

As the “main sign of the unity of the Congregation in its diversity” (C. 146), the 29th General Chapter will be opened in Valdocco (Turin) on February 16, 2025, and conclude on April 12, 2025, on the eve of Holy Week, on the same day Don Bosco arrived at Valdocco with his boys in the year 1846, adapting the Pinardi shed into a chapel.

Furthermore, the 10th successor of Don Bosco also announced the Moderator of the Chapter: Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, regional councilor for Africa.

The Rector Major explained his choice, made “after reviewing the history of the last general chapters and their moderators, and taking into account the reality of our Congregation and its cultural and ethnic diversity, as well as the growth of the Congregation, especially in the Africa Region, but also in South Asia and some realities of East Asia-Oceania.”

Starting from the specific objective of a general chapter, which is “to offer a moment of planning, in which the main challenges facing the Congregation are deepened and priority lines of action for its future are chosen” (Regulations), the Rector Major emphasizes that “there is a desire and expectation for a courageous general chapter, in which things are addressed; we do not want to get lost in phrases that may sound good but do not touch life. In general, the confreres want to see a Salesian Congregation always faithful to the Lord and with Him faithful to Don Bosco. They would like us all to be those who live with this passion for God and for the mission.”

“The important thing,” the Rector Major added when speaking of GC29, “is to grow in feeling consecrated by God and at the same time be significant and prophetic. Therefore, we want to move along a path of concreteness, practicality, and sharing of good practices.”

The theme of the general chapter, explained Fr. Fernandez, is unique and is articulated in three fundamental nuclei:

- Nucleus 1: Animation and care of the true life of every Salesian.

- Nucleus 2: Together as Salesians, Salesian Family, and Lay People “With” and “For” the Young.

- Nucleus 3: A courageous evaluation and redesigning of the governance of the Congregation at all levels.

With great hope and confidence, the Rector Major concludes his letter by imploring the blessing of our Lady and entrusting to her the preparation and celebration of GC29: “May Our Lady Help of Christians, Mother of the Church, accompany us as she accompanied Don Bosco throughout his life, until the moment she made him understand that ‘she did it all.’”

The Salesian Cardinals

Don Bosco’s Sons Who Became Cardinals
Abp. Angelo Amato

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 25, 2023) – Salesian Angelo Amato, who is now prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, was among the cardinals created in the consistory of November 20, 2010.

Born in Molfetta (Bari), Italy, on June 8, 1938, Angelo Amato was the 1st of 4 children and attended elementary schools with the Alcantaro Sisters and the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts. After middle school, he went to the Nautical Institute in Bari in the long-term captains section.

At the beginning of his 3d year of studies, in 1953, he abandoned a promising career and entered the Salesian aspirantate at Torre Annunziata. He then completed his novitiate in Portici Bellavista from 1955 to 1956, and on August 16, 1956, he made his 1st religious profession. He went on to the San Gregorio philosophical studentate at Catania, where he attended the 3 years of classical studies, graduating in July 1959. Then, until 1962, he studied in Rome at the Salesian Pontifical Athenaeum (PAS), obtaining a licentiate in philosophy. In the meantime, having completed the period of formation within the Salesian Congregation, he made his perpetual profession on June 28 of the same year. He did 2 years of practical training at the Salesian College at Cisternino, where he taught literature in middle school. After obtaining a licentiate in theology at the Salesian University School of Theology in Rome, he was ordained on December 22, 1967.

Enrolled at the Pontifical Gregorian University, in 1974 he obtained a doctorate in theology and was immediately called to teach the subject. In 1977 he was sent to Greece by the Secretariat for Christian Unity, spending 4 months in the Athenian Jesuit residence for linguistic preparation for university enrollment. After passing the admission exam, he went to Thessaloniki as a fellow of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. His residence was the Vlatadon Monastery, home to the convent of Orthodox monks and the Institute of Patristic Studies, with a library specializing in Orthodox theology and a valuable microfilm collection of the manuscripts of Mount Athos. The well-known Greek patron Konstantinos Christou, who was also minister of education of Greece, was then director of Idrima.

Enrolled in the school of theology at the University of Thessaloniki, he followed the lectures on the history of dogmas by Jannis Kaloghirou and on systematic dogmatics by Jannis Romanidis. At the same time, he conducted research on the sacrament of Penance in Greek Orthodox theology from the 16th to the 20th century, the text of which Christou sought to be published in the “Análekta Vlatádon” series (1982).

Back in Rome, he taught Christology in the School of Theology at the UPS, of which he was dean from 1981 to 1987 and from 1994 to 1999. From 1997 to 2000 he was also vice rector of the University. In 1988 he was sent to Washington to study the theology of religions and to complete the Christology manual. Meanwhile, he became a consultant to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the pontifical councils for Promoting Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialog, and an advisor to the Pontifical International Marian Academy.

In 1999 he was appointed prelate secretary of the restructured Pontifical Academy of Theology and director of the new theological magazine Path. From 1996 to 2000 he was part of the theological and historical commission for the great Jubilee Year 2000.

Appointed on December 19, 2002, as secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and named to the titular See of Sila with the personal title of archbishop, he received episcopal ordination on January 6, 2003, by John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica.

On July 9, 2008, Benedict XVI called him to succeed Cardinal José Saraiva Martins as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

In addition to articles and essays in magazines and theological dictionaries, he has published numerous works, including: The Gospel of the Father (1999), Jesus, the Lord: An essay on Christology, 7th edition (2008), Jesus, Identity of Christianity (2008), The Celibacy of Jesus (2010), Saints in the Church (2010), and Catholicism and Secularism in Contemporary Europe (2010).

He participated in the conclave of March 2013 that elected Pope Francis.

On December 19 that year, Pope Francis confirmed him as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. On May 26, 2018, as his 80th birthday neared, his replacement by Giovanni Angelo Becciu as prefect was announced, and he retired from that office on August 31.

The Salesian Cardinals

Don Bosco’s Sons Who Became Cardinals

Abp. Raffaele Farina

(ANS – Rome – Sept. 25, 2023) – In 2007, in his second consistory for the creation of new cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI once again chose a Salesian to collaborate with him in the ecclesiastical service of the cardinalate. On this occasion, he called Abp. Raffaele Farina, already known for being a distinguished scholar, hard worker, and meek and humble man, who with his discreet and punctual service was able to win the esteem of the three Pontiffs with whom he collaborated. 

Raffaele Farina was born in Buonalbergo, in the Province of Benevento, Italy, on September 24, 1933. He had an inborn vocation; attracted by the figure of Don Bosco, he entered the Salesian novitiate in Portici, near Naples, on August 15, 1947, and made his perpetual vows on September 25, 1954, in Naples. He was ordained in Turin on July 1, 1958.

After graduating in theology from the Salesian Pontifical Athenaeum in Turin in 1958, in 1961 he obtained the qualification to teach history and philosophy at the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Naples. He began teaching ecclesiastical history and patrology in the Salesian theological studentate in Castellammare of Stabia in 1962-1963, while at the same time continuing his studies. He obtained a doctorate in church history at the Gregorian Pontifical University in 1965, with a thesis on Eusebius of Caesarea, which was awarded a gold medal.

In 1965 he began to work as a lecturer in ancient church history and critical methodology in the School of Theology at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. But he also continued his studies, and in 1969, thanks to a scholarship, he undertook a 2-year research project on Origen: “The Kingship of Christ in the Commentary on Matthew” at the University of Bonn.

His competence as a scholar and his passion for teaching, typically Salesian, then led him to serve for over 20 years as professor of church history in the School of Theology, from 1976 to 1997 – the year in which he was proclaimed professor emeritus.

Being dean of the School of Theology at the UPS in 1973-1975, he did not neglect more administrative and institutional commitments either. He also served for 11 years, at different times, as rector magnificus (1977-1983 and 1992-1997).

Among his academic and publishing activities, mention must be made of his membership of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences since 1981 (secretary from 1981 to 1989), member of the scientific direction of the Corona Patrum series of the Società Editrice Internazionale in Turin from 1979 to 1997, as well as director of the journal Salesianum during his rectorate years at UPS.

His long curriculum also includes service in the central offices of the Salesian Congregation, where he was director of the Salesian Central Archives from 1984 to 1990.

In 1986 he was appointed undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture, a position he held until 1991. From 1992 to 2006 he was president of the Editorial Commission of the Libreria Editrice Vaticana and, from 1992 to 1997, president of the Animating Committee of the Rectors of the Pontifical Roman Athenaeums. During the same period he also served as the Holy See’s representative to Association of European Universities.

On the feast of Mary Help of Christians, May 24, 1997, Pope John Paul II appointed him prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library, a task he fulfilled with the dedication typical of Salesians toward the Pope, and which led to the major renovations that changed the face, functions, and style of the historic Apostolic Library and the Secret Archives of the Holy See.

In 2006, under Benedict XVI, he was appointed titular bishop of Oderzo, and on June 25 of the following year he became archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church, at the same time being elevated to the dignity of archbishop ad personam, with an announcement made by the Pontiff himself during a visit to the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Vatican Secret Archives.

Benedict XVI then created him a cardinal in the consistory of November 24, 2007.

A member of some of the most prestigious and distinguished cultural academies at an international level, he was honored with various cultural awards from the major European countries. He also performed a delicate service for Pope Francis when, having already become archivist and librarian emeritus of the Holy Roman Church, he was appointed president of the Pontifical Commission on the Institute for Works of Religion.

Report on the Virtues of Fr. Constantine Vendrame

Delivery of the Report on the virtues
of the Servant of God Fr. Costantine Vendrame, SDB

(ANS – Vatican City – Sept. 25, 2023) – The Report on the Life, Virtues, and Reputation for Holiness of the Servant of God Constantine Vendrame, professed priest of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, was delivered to the Congregation of the Causes of Saints in the Vatican on September 19, 2023.

The relator (reporter) Report (“Positio”) was Fr. Szczepan Tadeusz Praskiewicz, OCD, the postulator Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, postulator general of the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, and Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet from the general postulation office was collaborator. Structural elements of the Report – which presents  the entire documentary and witness evidence concerning the virtuous life of the Servant of God in a developed and detailed way – are a brief presentation by the relator; the Informatio super virtutibus, that is, the theological part in which the virtuous life of the Servant of God is demonstrated; the two Summariums with the witness and documentary evidence; the biography based on the documents; the final sessions and the iconographic apparatus.

After delivery, the Report will be examined by the theological consultants of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. It will be studied by the cardinals and bishops of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints: these developed stages of study and evaluation will allow the Supreme Pontiff, in the event of a positive outcome, to declare Fr. Constantine Vendrame “Venerable Servant of God.” It will then take a miracle attributed to his intercession to open the way to beatification.

This news has given rise to great joy, both in India, in particular in Shillong, where the great missionary distinguished himself for his apostolic and evangelizing work, and in Colle Umberto (Treviso), his birthplace, where for some years a group of people has been dedicated to promoting the cause of the Servant of God, who distinguished himself for his apostolic zeal as a “conqueror of souls,” so much so that he was called St. Francis Xavier of Northeast India.

Fr. Vendrame was born in San Martino di Colle Umberto (Treviso) on August 27, 1893, in a poor family with solid Christian values, tried by illness and a number of deaths. Constantine felt his vocation to the priesthood very young and entered the seminary belonging to the diocese of Ceneda (Vittorio Veneto) in 1908, then – in 1912 – joined the Salesians because of his love for the missions. A novice in 1913, temporary professed in 1914, and perpetually professed in 1920, he was formed to religious life through practical training. World War I saw him as an exemplary soldier faithful to his vocation. Ordained on March 15, 1924, in Milan, on October 5 he received the missionary crucifix in the basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Turin. He then left for Northeast India (Assam) and reached Shillong on December 24, 1924.

A missionary (and almost always a parish priest) in Laitumkhrah Shillong, Jowai, Wandi-wash in Tamil Nadu (South India), and finally Mawkhar Shillong (from 1951 to his death), he walked immense distances to reach the most distant souls: he became poor among the poor and touched the most hardened hearts, accepting with a smile the wear and tear of toil and the dangers of the apostolic life. He attracted thousands of souls to Christ and to the Church; Muslims and Hindus respected him as a true man of God. A forced interruption during World War II – an Italian citizen on the soil of the British Empire, he was confined with many others first in the custody of the Gurkhas, then in Deoli, finally in Dehra Dun – and in that apparent immobility demonstrated a strength that consoled and supported others.

Affected by osteoarthritis including in the spine and suffering from excruciating pain that would cause him to faint, he spent the last months in total offering of self, hospitalized in Dibrugarh, where he died on the eve of the feast of St. John Bosco, January 30, 1957. The funeral was a triumph of faith and gratitude. His was a widespread reputation for holiness and signs, and he was compared to St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Vincent de Paul.

It was said of him, “Let us remember Fr. Vendrame as a priest, who loved us with the heart of Christ, warm and human, strong and faithful, ready to give his life for us.”

Homily for 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sept. 24, 2023
Matt 20: 1-16
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx

“My friend, I’m not cheating you” (Matt 20: 13).

When St. Dominic Savio made his 1st Holy Communion at the age of 7, it was highly unusual.  In mid-19th century, children usually had to wait till age 12 or older, till they were more mature and aware of what they were doing and what Christ was doing.

But little Dominic already possessed amazing maturity—the wisdom of the saints.  At that time he made 4 resolutions:  to receive the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist as often as he could, to keep the Lord’s Day holy, to keep Jesus and Mary as his friends, and to die rather than commit even the smallest sin.  Those are resolutions that you and I would struggle to keep.  But Dominic did, for the rest of his short life—he died a month short of his 15th birthday—and that’s partly why the Church has recognized his holiness by canonizing him.

By promising that his friends would be Jesus and Mary, Dominic saw a deep bond between himself and our Lord and our Blessed Mother, the bond of friendship, of personal closeness.  That’s a bond that our Lord Jesus cherished and tried to foster during his earthly life, a bond which he desires for us.

In today’s gospel, the parable of the workers in the vineyard, when one of the workers complains that some of them are being treated unfairly, the vineyard owner doesn’t get upset.  (St. Matthew’s Greek calls him kurios, “lord” [v. 8].)  Rather, the owner-lord addresses this fellow as “my friend.”  He wants to win him over, not defeat him.  He reasons with him, explains to him that he’s being generous rather than “fair.”  That’s how Jesus wants to treat us.  It reminds me of a Garfield cartoon published last month.  In all 3 frames our favorite cat’s lying on his back.  In the 1st frame, he says, “Maybe someday I’ll finally get what I deserve.”  2d frame, silence.  3d frame:  “But I hope not.”[1]  Don’t we all count on God’s grace, God’s mercy, God’s generosity rather than on getting what we deserve, what our sins merit?  Generosity is what the owner-lord offers to those who deserved less than a full day’s pay.

Jesus takes the same generous approach in the extreme moment of his betrayal.  As Judas kisses him to identify him to his enemies, Jesus addresses him as “friend”:  “Friend, do what you’ve come for” (Matt 26:50).  Even as he’s being betrayed, Jesus appeals to Judas, offering him friendship, a chance to repent, to be converted, to be saved from the horrible remorse that will be his future if he rejects Jesus’ friendship.

The Lord always welcomes sinners who return to him.  In the Old Testament, Ezekiel prophesied in the Lord’s name to Israel:  “If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him….  Do I not rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?” (18:21-23).

In the Gospels Jesus does exercise and enjoy friendships.  His enemies complained that he befriended “tax collectors and sinners,” eating in their homes (Luke 7:34); he wants the company of us sinners, too.  

Christ in Martha's House

(attributed to George Stettner)

We also witness Jesus’ friendship in the intimacy of the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, where he converses and dines, as the Gospels of both Luke (10:38-42) and John (12:1-8) tell us.  When Jesus was away, on the other side of the Jordan River, he was informed that Lazarus was seriously ill, and he told his apostles, “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him” (John 11:11), that is, he planned to raise his friend Lazarus from the tomb.  On his arrival at Bethany, where Lazarus and his sisters lived, “he became perturbed and deeply troubled” with grief, and he wept, St. John tells us (11:33,35).  Then, for the glory of God, he called Lazarus out the tomb and restored him to life (11:43-44)—a resuscitation to this mortal life, not yet eternal life.

Jesus has promised to all his friends restoration to life; not resuscitation to our mortal lives and eventual death and burial; rather to the same life that Jesus himself enjoys after his resurrection.  At the Last Supper he addressed his apostles, assuring them of his immeasurable love for them:  “Love one another as I love you.  No one has greater love than this, to lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I no longer call you slaves…; I have called you friends” (John 15:12-15).

So Jesus speaks to us.  He wants us as his friends.  He speaks intimately and personally to us in the sacred Scriptures.  He invites us to dine with him, giving us his very self, his body and blood, in the holy Eucharist, so that we might be bonded with him both physically and spiritually in a permanent friendship, a friendship that lasts into eternity.  “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb” (Communion Rite; cf. Rev 19:9).

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[1] August 10, 2023.