GC29 Works on 3 Core Themes

Chapter Members Working on the 3 Core Themes of GC29

Praying Evening Prayer, apparently.
"Day Is Done" is on the screen.

(ANS – Turin – March 5, 2025) – A full immersion in the synodal method is underway for the 225 chapter members gathered in Turin, including provincials and delegates from around the world, tasked with shaping the future of the Salesian Congregation for the next 6 years.

At first glance, the structured schedule for the work of the committees might seem to limit the free expression of the GC29 participants. It has proven to be a fluid and effective method, however, facilitating dialog and accelerating the process of identifying and addressing the most pressing issues.

Each participant prepares through prayer and reflection before joining his committee. The 6 committees are further divided into small groups (6 tables), each assigned to one of the 3 core themes of the chapter’s main topic: “Passionate for Jesus Christ, Committed to Young People.”

Each table engages in a Spirit-led conversation, focusing on listening, interpretation, and decision-making for its assigned core theme.

The Three Core Themes and Their Subtopics

Animation and Care for the Personal Life of Every Salesian – This theme is broken down into 3 subtopics, each assigned to 2 tables:

• The centrality of Jesus Christ and the care of vocation
• Fraternity and attention to the poor
• The formation of the Salesian

Salesians Together with the Salesian Family and Lay People “with” and “for” the Young – Also divided into 3 subtopics, assigned to 2 tables each:

• Sharing spirituality and mission in the Salesian educational and pastoral community (EPC)
• Education and evangelization
• New expressions of the Salesian charism

There's time for entertainment.
Here, Fr. Dominic Tran (2d from left) and others sing.

Evaluation and Renewal of the Congregation’s Governance Structures – This theme is split into 3 key areas to ensure precise proposals for intervention:

• Organization of the general council
• Organization of the regions and interprovincial structures
• Extraordinary and ordinary visitations, provincial-level animation, and the duration of leadership roles

After discussions, each table secretary presents a summary of their work to the full committee, allowing for refinements and additional contributions. Finally, the committee votes on each theme, leading to 3 final summaries, which will be shared in the general assembly.

“Do not be afraid: it will work,” assured Fr. Alphonse Owoudou. So far, the progress of GC29 seems to confirm his confidence, as reflected in the spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm present in Valdocco’s courtyards.

There's also time for recreation.