GC29: Walking Together, Listening and Discussing Major Themes

General Chapter 29

Walking Together with Unity and a Synodal Method

(ANS – Turin – March 3, 2025) – On Friday morning, February 28, the general chapter took a significant step forward in its “structuring” process. After a keynote speech by Fr. Pascual Chavez, who offered an “intentional” rather than chronological reflection on the first 2 weeks of the chapter, a structured working method was introduced to enhance the effectiveness of the 6 committees.

Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the chapter’s moderator, explained: “Having completed the phase of shared understanding of the state of the Congregation, the need has emerged to modify the working document. Therefore, we are now formulating the proposals that have arisen from the chapter itself.” The committees are now tasked with identifying and proposing the 5 most important priorities in response to the challenges identified. These priorities will serve as the foundation for the final document, which will be presented to the new Rector Major and general council.

A Call to Unity and Inculturation

In his address, Fr. Chavez highlighted Article 146 of the Salesian Constitutions as a guiding principle for faithfully living the Gospel and following the Holy Spirit in the footsteps of Don Bosco. He emphasized that unity is built through fraternal encounter, which values diversity among individuals. “The general chapter is the most beautiful experience of this dynamic and the most comprehensive moment of formation we have,” he said with enthusiasm.

He also shared a key reflection for the future of the Congregation: the shift from merely enculturating the Salesian mission in different contexts to embracing the interculturality of the project as it is today worldwide.

Working in groups, whether small or large, to express a common will requires a clear method. When invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit, this approach must be even more methodical, overcoming individual protagonism and fostering true mutual listening.

The Synodal Method in the General Chapter

The Catholic Church has embraced the synodal method, which is characterized not only by the Pope’s authoritative convocation but also by a well-defined working process. This method was presented to the chapter members in a dedicated session, featuring a joint address by Fr. Andrea Bozzolo, rector magnificus of the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, and Fr. Eunan McDonnell, provincial of Ireland.

Participants in GC29 are deepening their understanding of the synodal method through resources available on a dedicated website. The testimonies of the following 3 Salesians who had successfully implemented it in their local leadership experiences were also shared:

Fr. Luis Fernando Gutierrez Cuesta, provincial of Madrid; Fr. Daniel Federspiel, provincial of France-Southern Belgium; Fr. Giampaolo Roma, provincial of Southern Italy.

The work of the committees and the adoption of the synodal method reflect GC29’s commitment to discerning current challenges and finding shared, intercultural responses. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Salesian Congregation is preparing to renew its dedication to its educational and pastoral mission, remaining faithful to Don Bosco’s charism.

Listening, Discussion, and Proposals for the Salesian Journey

February 28 marked the 2d consecutive day during which the members of the 29th General Chapter played a decisive role in determining the themes to be addressed in the assembly. As repeatedly emphasized by the president, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the considerations raised represent a valuable contribution to analyzing the current situation and defining the guidelines that will shape the future journey of the Salesian Society.

After a morning dedicated to discussions within the 6 committees, the afternoon witnessed the responses of the members of the general council to the interventions raised by the assembly, in the following order:

• Fr. Joan Lluis Playà, central delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat
• Fr. Roman Jachimowicz, regional councilor for Central and Northern Europe
• Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, regional councilor for Africa and moderator of CG29
• Bro. Jean Paul Muller, treasurer general
• Fr. Stefano Martoglio, vicar of the Rector Major

Each speaker addressed the points within his area of service with competence and clarity, offering answers and reflections for the future. The interventions and proposals that emerged during the work sessions will remain available for further study and will be included in the official acts of the chapter, a concrete sign of the willingness to listen carefully to every voice and value every contribution.

Among the numerous topics discussed, 2 central themes captured the assembly’s attention.

The 1st theme concerned the inclusion, within the Salesian Family, of people who, while actively participating in the educational mission, do not share the Christian faith or the Catholic tradition. This phenomenon, already present in the movement of alumni of Salesian schools, also involves thousands of collaborators – whether volunteers or salaried staff – who, in many works, constitute the majority of the operational staff. The future challenge will be to delve more deeply into this reflection and address this phenomenon with openness and discretion, as it will have a decisive impact on the future of the Congregation.

The 2d theme that emerged concerns the decrease in the number of Salesian brothers. This decline should not be addressed from a statistical perspective but with a charismatic and pastoral outlook. The redesign of the Congregation, which is gaining broad consensus during the chapter, requires an attitude of obedience to reality and authentic collaboration, free from individual protagonism.

Intentional encounters among confreres, even outside formal contexts, have been identified also as an important tool for strengthening mutual trust. Another fundamental point that emerged is the need to consider the differences between various regional contexts. The diversity of situations calls for responses proportionate to the capacities and resources of individual communities to ensure that the Congregation can continue to grow harmoniously and concretely.

The day represented a crucial moment of sharing and listening, with a strong commitment to addressing current challenges and building a future of inclusion, collaboration, and fidelity to the Salesian charism. The reflections that emerged testify to the vitality and depth of this chapter, which continues to guide the path of the Salesian Congregation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.