The Salesian Mission: "Da mihi animas" and Fraternal Life

The Salesian Mission: “Da mihi animas” and Fraternal Life
Reflections of the Second Day of CG29

(ANS – Turin – February 19, 2025) – On the 2d day of the spiritual retreat of the 29th General Chapter, Fr. Pascual Chavez, rector major emeritus, led the chapter members in a profound reflection on the meaning of the Salesian mission, starting from the key expression “da mihi animas.” In the afternoon, the theme was broadened to include fraternal life in community, emphasizing the importance of communion and sharing as signs of evangelical witness.

“The expression da mihi animas is not limited to referring to a part of the person but rather to the person in his entirety,” explained Fr. Chavez during the morning session. He then delved deeper into the meaning of this phrase, which lies at the heart of the Salesian mission: “If it were simply about promoting the integral development of the person, we would not be any different from many other institutions working in the same direction. The word animas indicates the perspective from which we operate and the ultimate goal of our educational and evangelizing mission.”

Fr. Chavez invited the capitulars to rediscover the depth of this task, which entails a great responsibility before God. “Salvation does not mean reaching heaven with minimal effort,” he stressed. “The ideal of our educational and evangelizing work is holiness—in fact, the sanctification of our young people.”

With a striking metaphor, Fr. Chavez explained how our Triune God, perfect Love, did not settle for loving us from a distance but became man in Jesus Christ to manifest his love in a tangible way. “Exaggerating a bit,” Fr. Chavez remarked, “I would say that the Father, by sending the Son into the world, entrusted him with this mission: make yourself loved!”

In the afternoon, the reflection broadened to include a fundamental aspect of the Salesian mission: fraternal life in community. “Community life is not just a matter of coexistence,” explained Fr. Chavez, “but a prophecy of communion, a concrete sign of working together to bear witness to unity and the sharing of the pastoral-educational project.”

Fr. Chavez underscored the importance of building authentic fraternal relationships, based on mutual support, alignment of intentions, and sharing. “It is not just about living together but about living as brothers, supporting and collaborating with one another for a common goal.”

The Eucharistic celebration at midday in the basilica of Mary Help of Christians was presided over by Fr. Fernando Garcia Sanchez, provincial of the Madrid Province. In his homily, Fr. Garcia offered a reflection on the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus. “We live in a world where, at times, a deep connection with him is lacking,” he said. “But without Jesus, we can do nothing. We must renew our conviction that he walks and works with us.”

He added further that this relationship with Jesus frees us from external judgments and allows us to embrace the peace he bestows. “Faced with the challenges that even this CG29 seeks to address, we must overcome the fatalism that numbs the heart and pushes us toward complaints. The transformative power of the Gospel gives us a freedom and a peace that no one can take away from us.” With a vivid image, Fr. Garcia concluded, “After we have tasted the Bread of Christ, all other bread will leave us dissatisfied.”

The reflections of the 2d day of CG29 served as a call to the delegates to take responsibility for the Salesian mission, which goes beyond education and aims at holiness and the transformation of young lives. Community life, lived in fraternity and sharing, becomes a prophetic sign that bears witness to the love of God.

Profound Mysticism in Salesian Life

The Profound Mysticism in Salesian Life

(ANS – Turin – February 17, 2025) – “Dear confreres, I have chosen as the theme of our spiritual retreat the perspective of the mysticism of our Salesian life. It is in fact there, that the apostolic project of Don Bosco is found, which we are invited to make our own, and it is there that our entire charismatic identity resides.” With these words, Fr. Pascual Chavez, rector major emeritus, inaugurated the spiritual retreat for the participants of the 29th General Chapter. He was entrusted with leading the meditations which, over 3 days, will help participants reflect and prepare for the decisions to be made.

The morning and afternoon of the second day were dedicated to listening and meditation, also enriched by the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Eunan McDonnell, the Irish provincial.

In the course of his reflections, Fr. Chavez reminded the participants: “Our Salesian consecrated life is a path that begins with the love of Jesus, who fixed his gaze upon us, loved us, called us, and seized us. This means that our entire consecrated life is marked by love and must be lived under its sign. It cannot be lived without joy, even in moments of trial and difficulty. From here flows the serenity, the radiance, and the fruitfulness of consecrated life, which make it captivating.”

This awareness, Fr. Chavez explained, is the foundation for the Salesian who dedicates himself to young people, helping them overcome the sufferings caused by the sin of the world. “Total dedication to the mission on behalf of young people, especially the poorest, the needy, and those at risk, is the most concrete way in which, by following Christ, we can live Christian love. This love will always involve self-denial and, at times, will provoke the hatred of the world.”

During Mass, Fr. McDonnell offered a reflection on the gospel, emphasizing the need for a change in perspective to draw closer to God’s way of seeing things. “We must learn to go to the other shore, because his thoughts are not our thoughts, his ideas are not our ideas.” He then invited the delegates to an examination of conscience: “Are our strategies truly God’s will, or are we, like the Pharisees, trying to fit God into our expectations?”

Fr. McDonnell also shared a personal experience that helped him move beyond a merely human perspective and better understand the need to place trust in God. While praying along a windswept beach, he observed a dog running against the wind and seagulls allowing themselves to be carried by the air currents. “We can enter this general chapter with certain expectations, but we must allow ourselves to be surprised by God, trusting in his guidance.”

All official photos of GC29 are on Flickr.

Homily for Tuesday, Week 6 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
Week 6 of Ordinary Time

Feb. 18, 2025
Mark 8: 14-21
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Christ Disputing with Pharisees
(James Tissot)

Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8: 15).

This little episode follows what we heard yesterday, when the Pharisees asked Jesus for “a sign from heaven to test him” (8:11).  Just before that in Mark, as well as in Matthew, was Jesus’ 2d multiplication of loaves.  Luke doesn’t report that 2d multiplication, but only he identifies the Pharisees’ “leaven” as hypocrisy (12:1).

We can agree with Luke.  The gospel accounts probably don’t give a fair understanding of the Pharisees as a matter of history, but it’s fair to say that they didn’t get along with Jesus.  He found them over-strict in their understanding and application of Torah and, some of them at least, not faithful to the Law’s true intent.  Thus yesterday they weren’t sincere in asking for a sign that would prove Jesus’ heavenly message; he’d been showing signs all over the place, some right in front of them.

No gospel says specifically what Herod’s leaven was.  But the evangelists tell us that he murdered John the Baptist, and according to Luke, Jesus called him a “fox” (13:32).  He’s been described as “idle, vicious, and extravagant.”[1]  We may interpret his leaven as selfishness and worldliness.

Jesus’ advice to guard against those 2 types of leaven remains valid.  There are still church types who are more concerned about external religion than genuine fidelity to the Lord, or who ignore the signs of the times in order to cling to old, familiar ways.  There are still politicians and others more concerned about power, pleasure, and glory than about being good shepherds or wise guides to humanity.

As Jesus continues speaking to his disciples, he pleads with them to discern the signs that they’ve witnessed.  Do they still not understand what they’ve seen and heard?  God takes care of his people.  God is with us.  Paying heed to him and to Jesus’ Good News is the substantial bread of life.

[1] Ronald Brownrigg, Who’s Who in the New Testament (NY: Wing Books, 1971), p. 137.

29th General Chapter Opens

Passionate about Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young

The 29th General Chapter Opens in Valdocco

(ANS – Turin – February 17, 2025) – The official proclamation of the opening of the 29th General Chapter (CG29) was entrusted to Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Chapter Moderator, at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, in the theater of the motherhouse at Valdocco. With this formal act, the gathering of 230 provincials and delegates of the Society of St. Francis de Sales commenced meaningfully, united in their mission to nurture Don Bosco’s charism, encapsulated in the theme: “Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to the young.”

The sequence of interventions in the hall demonstrated how the Salesians, through painstaking work in their individual provinces, have succeeded in focusing on the central theme of this time. Fr. Stefano Martoglio, president of the chapter, expressed with an emotional tone the profound responsibility entrusted to the assembly: “to redesign the Congregation at all levels.” He emphasized that religious and consecrated life today is characterized by a specific challenge: “an authentic prophecy.”

The sons of Don Bosco live in a present where challenges are ever greater: new forms of poverty are emerging, and a pressing cry for help arises from simple and hardworking people. “We must allow ourselves to be shaken, not remain complacent, and provide both personal and institutional responses,” Fr. Martoglio urged. “This is the path of the entire Church, guided by Pope Francis.”

The Prophetic Call of Don Bosco

This prophetic call was anticipated by Cardinal Roberto Repole, archbishop of Turin, during his homily at the Eucharistic celebration in the basilica of Mary Help of Christians, held in the early afternoon. He affirmed: “It is not about addressing an organizational task, but about embodying the mission of the Church: to bring the gaze of Christ to the world and humanity, calling injustices by their name. Only He can overcome injustice and oppression.”

The City’s Greeting

The mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, bringing the city’s greetings, expressed his wish: “I trust that the reflections which will occupy your time may bring forth important answers—not only for the Salesian mission but also for all of us engaged in public service.”

Encouragement from Religious Leaders

Sr. Simona Brambilla, prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (the office where Cardinal Artime has been called to serve), not only brought greetings but also shared encouragement inspired by the experience of the disciples’ journey to Emmaus: “The road takes us far from Jerusalem, from the painful and burdensome experience of the Cross. But after the encounter with Jesus, we see the return, even in the night, but without fear, toward the community and toward life.”

Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, superior general of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, emphasized: “The future of the charism is in the hands of each one of us, but especially in your hands, as the worldwide chapter assembly of the Salesians. This is an event of grace and synodality. It has the potential to radiate strength into the daily lives of younger generations and secure them a brighter future.”

Preserving the Flame of Don Bosco’s Charism

Antonio Boccia, world coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators, gave the chapter participants a clear and direct invitation: “Strengthen your interiority, discover opportunities for improvement: it is your duty to preserve the flame of Don Bosco’s charism, deeply rooted in the spiritual community that unites the entire Salesian Family.”

Homily for 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
6th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Feb. 16, 2025
1 Cor 15: 12, 16-20
Luke 6: 17, 20-26                       
Jer 17: 5-8
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

by Murillo

“Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15: 20).

In the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians, St. Paul defends and comments on our fundamental belief in Christ’s resurrection.  In the verses we heard this morning/afternoon, he calls Christ the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  The firstfruits were the 1st parts of a harvest or a shearing—grain, wine, oil, and wool—that devotees presented to God as a holy sacrifice, a token of gratitude for the whole harvest or flock.  Jesus, risen from the dead, is the 1st of God’s harvest of redeemed people who will be raised from the earth on the Last Day.

Note also that Paul speaks of “those who have fallen asleep.”  This is an expression of deep Christian faith.  The dead are only “asleep,” not totally kaput, lost forever.  Our word cemetery comes from a Greek word, koimeterion, that means a sleeping place or dormitory.

Thus Christ’s resurrection is our hope that death is no more than a deep sleep.  Yesterday morning, we buried a Salesian brother in our cemetery in Goshen, N.Y.  In the cemetery is a large marble crucifix; on its granite base is a Latin inscription that means,  “Here rest in Christ’s peace members of the Salesian Congregation, awaiting the resurrection.”  God will awaken all Christ’s faithful for eternal life.  The Letter to the Hebrews twice calls Jesus our leader—or in one translation, our “pioneer”—our pioneer in salvation (2:10), our pioneer in faith (12:2).  Like colonial settlers following Daniel Boone into Kentucky, where Jesus has gone, we shall follow.

Since we have this hope, this confidence, in our Savior Jesus Christ, we can listen to his teaching in St. Luke’s Sermon on the Plain, the “stretch of level ground” where he preaches in today’s gospel.  (It’s Luke’s equivalent of St. Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount.)  Jesus instructs “a great crowd of his disciples” assembled from all over the Holy Land:  “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.  Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!  Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.” (Luke 6:22-23).  Not for this life only do we hope in Christ (cf. 1 Cor 15:19), but for immortality, for the life of Jesus’ resurrection.

Jeremiah had a similar hope:  “Blessed in the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.  He’s like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream” (17:7-8).  That hope sustained Jeremiah when he was persecuted by the powerful who didn’t want to hear him preach about being faithful to God.  It’s the hope that sustains tens of thousands of Christians today when they face criticism, discrimination, persecution, and even death because of their faith in such places as Nigeria, Pakistan, India, and China.  It’s our hope in this country, too, when we advocate for public policies and practices that respect human life, that restrain our impulses for pleasure, or that attack the dignity of all people regardless of their age, race, color, or country of origin.  It’s often unpopular to stand with the Gospel of Jesus.  It often flies in the face of what a government wants or what we see on social media or hear from Hollywood.

A note about our belief in the resurrection.  Quoting the Letter to the Hebrews again, we read “it’s appointed for human beings to die once, and after that comes judgment” (9:27).  Some Eastern religions believe in reincarnation, and that’s become popular with some people also in our culture.  You keep coming back to life in some form, a higher or lower form of life.  If you’ve been really bad, you could return as an insect; if you’ve been so-so, you might become a bear, a horse, or a dog; if you’ve been really good, you could return as a princess or a billionaire.  You keep coming back until you get life right and then achieve nirvana, a final spiritual peace, a liberation from pain and suffering.  That’s not a biblical way of faith; it’s not Christian.  An old Catholic mantra speaks of the 4 last things:  death, judgment, heaven, and hell.  There are no do-overs.  We follow our Lord Jesus in this life, and with him we enter eternal life; or we ignore his way of living and choose a different fate for eternity.  The wicked “stand in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth,” Jeremiah says (17:6).  That would be one way of describing hell.  In one of Jesus’ parables, he describes a man lost because he’d ignored the poor and now is “anguished in flames” (Luke 16:24).  In another parable, the Great Judge on the Last Day sends those who ignored the poor “into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:41).  Our choices matter; our actions matter.  We need to get our lives right the 1st time; it’s the only time.

The Gospel of Jesus tells us often not to be afraid—not of human powers nor of the powers of hell.  Our Lord Jesus “has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep,” of those who walk with him, who follow his lead.

Salesian General Chapters 22-28

Salesian General Chapters 22-28

(ANS – Rome – February 13, 2025) – ANS concludes its overview of the general chapters of the Salesian Congregation. This analysis covers the most recent history, closely aligning with the ongoing developments of recent years. Over the 36 years under review, 4 rectors major have led the Congregation under 3 Popes, witnessing and catalyzing significant changes in Salesian history, as reflected in these last 7 general chapters.

GC XXII (1984) – Definitive Constitutions

- Location: Pisana (Rome)
- Duration: 120 days (January 14-May 12)
- President: Fr. Egidio Viganò
- Moderator: Fr. Juan Edmundo Vecchi
- Members: 188 capitulars, 6 observers
- Theme: Study and final approval of the renewed Constitutions
- Key Developments: The definitive version of the Constitutions was approved. The chapter was held during the jubilee year and on the 50th anniversary of Don Bosco’s canonization.

GC XXIII (1990) – Educating Young People in the Faith

- Location: Pisana
- Duration: 58 days (March 4-May 5)
- President: Fr. Egidio Viganò
- Moderator: Fr. Francesco Maraccani
- Members: 205 capitulars, 6 observers
- Theme: Educating young people in faith within the context of the new evangelization
- Key Developments: Fr. Viganò was re-elected for a third term. Pope John Paul II visited the chapter members at their headquarters. The Salesian Youth Movement received official recognition.

GC XXIV (1996) – Collaboration with the Laity

- Location: Pisana
- Duration: 62 days (February 19-April 20)
- President: Fr. Juan Edmundo Vecchi
- Moderator: Fr. Antonio Martinelli
- Members: 208 capitulars, 7 observers, 8 translators
- Theme: Communion and shared mission with the laity
- Key Developments: Strengthened lay participation in the Salesian mission. First chapter to include Salesians from Eastern Europe. Information technology made its 1st appearance in the chapter.

GC XXV (2002) – Fraternal Life and Presence among Youth

- Location: Pisana
- Duration: 56 days (February 24-April 20)
- President: Fr. Pascual Chavez Villanueva
- Moderator: Fr. Antonio Domenech
- Members: 231 capitulars, 16 translators
- Theme: Fraternal life, evangelical witness, and active presence among young people
- Key Developments: Election of Fr. Pascual Chavez Villanueva as rector major.

GC XXVI (2008) – “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle”

- Location: Pisana
- Duration: 51 days (February 23-April 12)
- President: Fr. Pascual Chavez Villanueva
- Moderator: Fr. Francesco Cereda
- Members: 233 capitulars, 13 translators
- Theme: Renewing Salesian identity in light of Don Bosco’s motto: “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle”
- Key Developments: Focused on returning to the spiritual and pastoral roots of Don Bosco. Reinforced preferential commitment to poor youth and missionary spirit in Salesian works.

GC XXVII (2014) – “Witnesses to the Radicality of the Gospel: Work and Temperance”

- Location: Pisana
- Duration: 50 days (February 22-April 12)
- President: Fr. Pascual Chavez Villanueva
- Moderator: Fr. Francesco Cereda
- Members: 220 capitulars, 12 translators
- Theme: Radical witness to the Gospel through work, temperance, and fidelity to the Salesian vocation
- Key Developments: Election of Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime as rector major. Encouragement to live the evangelical counsels with authenticity and joy. Strengthened fraternal life and ongoing formation to face pastoral challenges.

GC XXVIII (2020) – “What Kind of Salesians for Today’s Youth?”

- Location: Valdocco
- Duration: 32 days (February 16-March 16)
- President: Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime
- Moderator: Fr. Stefano Vanoli
- Members: 242 capitulars, 9 translators
- Theme: Reflection on Salesian identity and the Congregation’s role in responding to the needs of today’s youth
- Key Developments: Chapter ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deepened the identity of Salesians as educators and evangelizers in Don Bosco’s style. Emphasized the centrality of youth in the Salesian mission, especially the most vulnerable.

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These general chapters reflect the evolving identity of the Salesian Congregation, continuously adapting to modern challenges while remaining faithful to Don Bosco’s charism.

Bro. Charles Mayer, SDB (1942-2025)

Bro. Charles Mayer, SDB (1942-2025)

Bro. Charles Frederick Mayer, SDB, surrendered his soul to his Maker at 6:10 p.m. on February 12. He died at United Hebrew Nursing Home in New Rochelle, where he had been cared for since September 14, 2016. For several days he had been having some trouble breathing and was being treated for comfort. Fr. Jim Heuser anointed him on Sunday the 9th.

The province had anticipated celebrating Bro. Charles’s 50th anniversary of religious profession on September 1 of this year.

Charlie was born in Evansville, Ind., on October 14, 1942, and was baptized four days later at St. Benedict’s Church in that city. He was also confirmed at St. Benedict's in 1949. His parents were Carl and Caroline Gumbel Mayer.

After graduation from Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville in 1960, he earned a B.S. in chemistry at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Tex., in 1964. In the summer of 1963, he interned at Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Continuing his studies, he earned a doctorate in chemistry from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., in 1969 with a GPA OF 3.93.

Charlie may have been teaching chemistry. In any case, by 1973 he was discerning a possible vocation as a brother. Thus he came to Don Bosco College in Newton, N.J., as a Son of Mary in September 1973 and immediately began teaching sciences, fondly called Doc Mayer by his seminarian students. He entered the novitiate on August 31, 1974, and during that year not only continued teaching but also took credited DBC courses in theology and education. His master was Fr. Ted Ciampi, and among his 20 companions were Michael Baptista, Bertram Cooper, Michael Farnham, David Gonder, James Heuser, Fr. Anthony Mastroeni, and Vincent Paczkowski. They (and a few others) professed on September 1, 1975. Bro. Charles made perpetual vows on August 29, 1981.

Bro. Charlie continued teaching at DBC until 1981: biology, chemistry, and physics. He took supplementary summer courses at William Paterson College in 1977. He was part of the staff of the Boys Club attached to the college until he was appointed assistant to the novices in 1980-1981. The boys loved talking with him, says Fr. Eric Wyckoff.

Charlie's Sons of Mary Class, 1973.
He's in the middle row, 4th from left.

Fr. John Nazzaro was one of his students in 1973-1974, a “cleric” at the time, and he remembers: “Charlie was our chemistry teacher when he was a Son of Mary in Newton. Believe me when I tell you it was not the most lively class, but we had so much fun and great laughs. Charlie was always a gentleman and a gentle soul. He really cared if we learned about Gay-Lussac’s gas laws. All of us are happy he’s a peace with the Lord.”

Former Salesian Bob Ferrara recalls Bro. Charlie as “a humble, meek person in an admirable way, very likeable and friendly. He was very easy to talk to, never an attitude.”

Bro. Charlie was assigned to Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa in 1981, where the students liked him but were a little hard for him to handle in class, according to a confrere who was there. In 1982 he came to the provincial house in New Rochelle to assist the province treasurer. In his 16 years in the provincial house community, he was ever attentive to his financial work. In the afternoon he would recreate by doing groundskeeping. Always a friendly presence to confreres and visitors, he was also a notable contributor to Christmas tree decorating.

In 1998 Bro. Charlie was re-assigned to the Salesian Boys & Girls Club in East Boston as community treasurer and an assistant in the Club. In 2004 he moved to St. Anthony’s Parish in Elizabeth, N.J., to help the community and apostolate in various ways.

Bro. Charles with other SDB brothers
at a jubilees celebration, Marian Shrine, 2005

From 2007 to 2016, Bro. Charlie served at the Marian Shrine in Haverstraw-Stony Point, N.Y., as manager of the bookstore/gift shop. Ann Cenname, retreat house coordinator there, writes, “I will always remember Bro. Charlie as a sweet, kind soul.” Fr. Franco Pinto commented on Bro. Charles’s consistency in his daily routine and his good running of the bookstore. He noted that many people visited the store not so much to buy something as to talk with Brother, who had a very pastoral way of relating to them.

Deteriorating health compelled Bro. Charles’s move from the Marian Shrine on September 14, 2016, to United Hebrew, where he was well cared for and was visited regularly by his confreres of the provincial house community. From India, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, a former member of the New Rochelle community, wrote: “The community here offered our Eucharist for the repose of the soul of Bro. Charles Mayer. I told them how the New Rochelle community members would take turns to visit Bro. Charles daily even when he would hardly recognize their presence by his side.”

Upon learning of Bro. Charles’s passing, Bro. Hubert Twagirayezu, another former provincial house member now serving in Uganda, exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, my best friend. May God grant him eternal rest!”

Bro. Charles is survived by a sister, Kathleen Wilcox, and a brother, Stephen. Both live in Indiana.

Bro. Charlie’s funeral was celebrated at Salesian High School in New Rochelle on Friday, February 14. The students had an opportunity to pray after his body was brought to the chapel, and Salesians from the Haverstraw, Ramsey, and Orange communities paid their respects later. Fr. Pinto, vice provincial, presided and preached at the Mass of Christian Burial.

On February 15 Bro. Charlie’s remains were brought to the Salesian Cemetery in Goshen, N.Y., for burial.

Homily for Thursday, Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Gen 2: 18-25
Mark 7: 24-30
Feb. 13, 2025
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Creation of Eve (George Frederic Watts 1873)

In today’s readings we might discern an equality among people.  The 2d creation story in Genesis, like the 1st, presents woman as man’s partner and equal.  In ch. 1, God makes humans in his own image, male and female, with shared dominion over the rest of creation (1:26-27).  In ch. 2, as we hear today, woman is created separately but of the very same substance as man and as “a suitable partner for him” (2:18).  In neither version of the story is there a hint of subordination or inferiority.  In our experience, don’t we often find women not equal but even superior to men in virtue:  in commitment, compassion, and moral strength?  May God always be praised for the wisdom of his creation, the power of his image in both men and women, and in the way we respect and love one another.

In the gospel, Jesus recognizes faith in a Gentile woman that’s at least equal to anything he’s found among his own people, including among his disciples.  We don’t know why he delayed in responding to this Syrophoenician woman and gave her, as it appears, a hard time.  Possibly it was all for show, aimed at the prejudices of his followers.  It’s faith that saves, not genetics—as Jesus had already taught when he claimed as his brothers and sisters anyone who does God’s will (Mark 3:31-35).

We are blessed, brothers and sisters, that God’s generosity and grace surpass our own.  “Blessed are those who fear the Lord” (Ps 128:1).

Tlaquepaque Board of Trustees Meets

Board of Trustees of the Theologate 
in Tlaquepaque Meets

(ANS – Tlaquepaque, Mexico – February 12, 2025) - The board of trustees of the Salesian theologate at Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico, a formation center for Salesians aspiring to the priesthood, met on January 29. Fr. Hugo Orozco, general councilor for the Interamerica Region, presided. Provincials taking part were Frs. Dominic Tran, United States East and Canada, Filiberto Gonzalez, Guadalajara, Mexico, and Juan Aaron Cerezo, Mexico City. Formation delegates for the provinces included Fr. José Gallo (Bolivia), Bro. Travis Gunther (U.S. East), Fr. Felipe Carranza (Guadalajara), and Fr. Carlos Barbosa (Mexico City). Also present were provincial treasurers Fr. Jorge Mejía (Guadalajara) and Fr. Juan Carlos Romero (Mexico City). Fr. Morachel Bonhomme, superior of the Haitian Vice Province, and Fr. Jesus Baltazar, provincial treasurer of the Antilles, participated online. The theologate community was also present. During the meeting, the evaluation of the house’s project of life, the academic report of the Salesian Institute of Graduate Studies (ISS), and the various reports on the community’s progress were examined.

Salesian General Chapters 15-21

Salesian General Chapters 15-21

(ANS – Rome – February 12, 2025) – From 1938 to 1977: this is the time span embraced by the general chapters of the Salesian Congregation from the 15th to the 21st. During this long period of great geo-political, social, and ecclesial transformations, the Pious Salesian Society, like the whole Church, was called upon to change, not only out of necessity or fashion, but to continue to keep its charism alive and meaningful in the new contexts that had emerged.

World War II, with all the upheavals it entailed and the new balances that were created at its end, with many countries now in the hands of regimes openly hostile to the Church; the youth protests and social transformations of the 1960s; the Second Vatican Council; etc. This is the background against which the Salesians had to act in the period under consideration. There were many challenges, therefore, for the Salesians, who were regularly called, thru the general chapters, to discern how to direct the Congregation’s path in that period.

GC15 was convened in 1938, after many superiors and Salesians from all over the world had already come to Italy in 1934 for the canonization of Don Bosco; it focused particularly on formation issues and, considering the growth and development of the Congregation, saw an increase in general councilors from 3 to 5.

The next chapter, planned in theory for 1944, could take place only in 1947 because of the World War II. The postwar theater inevitably influenced the theme and the decisions to be made, to give concrete answers to the young people left to themselves and out on the streets, to those in need of everything, to the Salesians who had been isolated for a long time.

Fr. Renato Ziggiotti was elected as the 5th successor of Don Bosco at GC17, after the death of Fr. Ricaldone in November 1951. The chapter, which saw the chapter members return to the Valdocco site, was held in the summer so that the school premises otherwise used for classes could be used. From various Salesian provinces in Eastern Europe, only a few exceptional delegates were able to attend, since the provincials and delegates in charge were forbidden to participate by their respective regimes.

GC18, also held in the summer at Valdocco, explored issues such as religious observance and the Salesian apostolate in its traditional forms, but also the application of Pius XII’s apostolic constitution Sedes Sapientiae on religious, clerical, and apostolic formation and the veneration to be paid to Dominic Savio, now recognized as a saint (1954).

The 19th GC was important for many reasons: it was the first to be held in Rome (at the new facilities of the Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum), opening something that would mark the next eight chapters; it was the longest held up to that time (51 days); it took place with the Vatican Council still in progress; and taking its cue from the work of renewal, it served to redefine the figure of the Salesian “as he must be.” Precisely because of this impetus for change, it was also the first in which a new rector major was elected with the previous one still living: Fr. Ziggiotti asked not to be re-elected so that others could set out on the new path, and Fr. Luigi Ricceri was chosen in his place.

The next chapter, the 20th, was the “extraordinary” one, made necessary to assimilate the Council’s novelties in depth. It was the longest ever (almost 7 months, straddling two years), it took place in Rome, but in the new generalate on Via della Pisana, and led to the approval of the new Constitutions, new Regulations, and new pastoral and operational doctrinal “orientations.”

Finally, the ordinary GC21 was the one that saw the election of Fr. Egidio Viganò, who remained in office for almost three terms. This chapter, celebrated on the centennial of GCI (1877), sought to return to the Don Bosco of the origins, with the aim of becoming specialized evangelizers of the young; living as authentic religious in mission; taking care of ongoing formation. The jewel in the crown of this chapter was the launch of Project Africa, vigorously promoted by the newly elected Fr. Viganò.

The following is a summary of these 7 Salesian general chapters (1938-1977), indicating the original structure with details of the president (rector major), moderator, members, place, duration, key themes, and particular notes or significant developments.

15. GC XV (1938) - Salesian Formation

• Location: Rebaudengo (Turin)
• Duration: 15 days (June 23 - July 7)
• President: Fr. Peter Ricaldone
• Moderator: Fr. Renato Ziggiotti
• Members: 105 chapter members
• Themes: The formation of Salesian personnel (houses for aspirants, novitiates, philosophical and theological studentates).
• Notes and significant developments: Increase in the number of superior councilors from 3 to 5.

 

16. GC XVI (1947) - Postwar Renewal

• Location: Valsalice
• Duration: 19 days (August 24 - September 11)
• President: Fr. Peter Ricaldone
• Moderator: Fr. Renato Ziggiotti
• Members: 110 chapter members (out of 112 invited)
• Themes: Adapt Salesian activities to the needs of postwar reconstruction.
• Notes and significant developments: Adoption of SDB as the official acronym of the Congregation.

 

17. GC XVII (1952) - Vocations and Missions

• Place: Valdocco
• Duration: 15 days (July 31 - August 14)
• President: Fr. Renato Ziggiotti
• Moderator: Fr. Secondo Manione
• Members: 114 chapter members
• Themes: Development of vocational schools, missions, and formation houses.
• Notes and significant developments: Election of Fr. Renato Ziggiotti as 5th successor of Don Bosco.

 

18. GC XVIII (1958) - Religious Discipline and Apostolate

• Place: Valdocco
• Duration: 14 days (July 27 - August 9)
• President: Fr. Renato Ziggiotti
• Moderator: Fr. Alvin Fedrigotti
• Members: 119 chapter members (out of 128 invited)
• Themes: Religious observance, application of the Constitution Sedes Sapientiae, parishes, and oratories.
• Notes and significant developments: Reflection on the Salesian apostolate in parishes and schools.

 

19. GC XIX (1965) - Adaptation to the Second Vatican Council

• Place: Rome, P.A.S.
• Duration: 53 days (April 19 - June 10)
• President: Fr. Renato Ziggiotti (until his resignation) and Fr. Luigi Ricceri
• Moderator: Fr. Archimedes Pianazzi
• Members: 151 chapter members, 19 experts, 8 auditors
• Themes: Renewal in line with the Vatican II and reflection on the figure of the Salesian.
• Notes and significant developments: First GC celebrated in Rome; Fr. Ziggiotti resigned, and Fr. Ricceri was elected rector major.

 

20. CGS XX (1971-72) - Special Chapter of Renewal

• Place: Pisana Generalate, Rome
• Duration: 210 days (June 10, 1971 - January 5, 1972)
• President: Fr. Luigi Ricceri
• Moderator: Fr. Gaetano Scrivo
• Members: 202 chapter members, 12 observers, 4 experts
• Themes: Renewal of the Salesian Society (nature, consecrated life, formation, governance structures).
• Notes and significant developments: Approval of the Constitutions ad experimentum; longest chapter in the history of the Congregation.

 

21. GC XXI (1977-78) - Evangelization and Mission

• Location: Pisana
• Duration: 105 days (October 31, 1977 - February 12, 1978)
• President: Fr. Luigi Ricceri (until his resignation) and Fr. Egidio Viganò
• Moderator: Fr. Raffaele Farina
• Members: 184 chapter members, 10 observers, 7 secretaries, 8 translators
• Themes: Evangelizing and witnessing to the Gospel among the young.
• Notes and significant developments: Election of Fr. Egidio Viganò as rector major and launch of Project Africa.

Homily for Tuesday, Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Feb. 11, 2025
Gen 1: 20—2: 4
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

The Earthly Paradise (Brueghel the Younger)

“God saw how good it was” (Gen 1: 21).

That’s a refrain thruout Gen 1, emphasizing the goodness of all that God has made and culminating in his creation of human beings in his own image (1:27).

Our response to God’s work is twofold.  1st, we appreciate his glorious creation and praise him for its beauty, its grandeur, its vast majesty.

2d, we acknowledge that God’s given us the earth, the air, the water, plants and animals for our use and our delight.  It’s a mark of respect for him, of worship even, that we care for, preserve, and use wisely what he’s made and entrusted to us.  I think Pope Francis, and Benedict before him, calls for every Christian to be an environmentalist—not a “tree hugger,” to be sure, but a good steward who recognizes that God’s lending his goods to us to share, preserve, hand on, and point always to himself.  How wonderful his name in all the earth! (cf. Ps 8:2).

See this reflection on creation, from America, 2/11/25.

Youth Ministers on the Border

Youth Ministers on the Border 
Analyze the Challenges of Caring for Migrants

(ANS – Guadalajara, Mexico – February 11, 2025) - On January 28, the youth ministry delegates from the United States West and the Guadalajara, Mexico, provinces, Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB, and, Fr. Agapito Francisco Espinoza, SDB, respectively, convened Salesians and lay people from both provinces to discuss the situation of migrants on the Mexico-U.S. border. Meeting digitally, the youth ministers analyzed current challenges; shared experiences of caring for migrants; and established concrete strategies for responding to the tightening of immigration policies resulting from the U.S. government’s recent immigration regulations. Emphasized during the meeting was the importance of strengthening the support network for migrants, the need to forge alliances with other institutions, and improving communication to optimize assistance to these people in vulnerable situations. Among the points that emerged were the coordination of efforts between provinces to provide timely information; the promotion of a Salesian network specialized in the care of migrants; and the encouragement of Salesian missionary volunteers to offer their services to migrants. Participants agreed that there’s a great need for a coordinated response, including raising awareness in local communities, promoting volunteerism, and creating welcoming spaces.

Salesian General Chapters 8-14

Salesian General Chapters 8-14

(ANS – Rome – February 11, 2025) – The 8th-14th general chapters of the Salesian Congregation cover more than 30 years of history, from the end of the 19th century (1898) to the period between the two world wars (1932). It was a period full of important events and changes at a worldwide, ecclesiastical, and Salesian level. As a result, the general chapters also reflect the evolution of these years.

During the period in question, the “useless slaughter” of the Great War (1914-18) took place, which also had a great influence on the still young Salesian Congregation, and 3 rectors major (Frs. Paul Albera, Philip Rinaldi, and Peter Ricaldone) succeeded Fr. Michael Rua, Don Bosco’s immediate successor.

At first glance, there were some brief and almost functional GC meetings – either for the election of the rector major, or for the completion of unresolved issues from previous sessions – and others of greater depth and impact, where organizational and structural decisions were made to mark the path of the Pious Salesian Society more incisively in the years to come.

For example, GC8 was certainly one of the most important, both for the topics discussed and for the number of participants, and because the rector major was elected by vote for the first time. It was the last time that the general chapter elected the master of novices general in the person of Fr. Julius Barberis, and a proposal was made to elect as many masters as there were novitiates.

The 9th General Chapter also had significant influence: it was in fact at that chapter that the Salesian provinces were established, it was decided to hold chapters every six years, and it was established that from the following chapter not all the directors would participate, but only the provincials with one delegate for each province.

GC10 was the last one presided over by Fr. Rua and was celebrated with a certain solemnity. During the proceedings, Don Bosco’s body was uncovered in the presence of Cardinal Richelmy and all the chapter members, who had expressed a strong desire to see Don Bosco again.

After CG11, which elected Fr. Paul Albera and undertook a revision of the various regulations proposed ad experimentum by CG10, it would be necessary to wait 12 years for another chapter, due to World War I; and presiding over this new one would no longer be Fr. Albera, who had died in 1921, but Fr. Rinaldi, in his role as prefect general.

Again, with the process of postwar reorganization and the adaptation of the life of the Congregation to the new Code of Canon Law already underway, GC13 focused on the reorganization of the Salesian Society at various levels, with attention to the studies of the religious, professional formation, and the missions, in a climate of marked enthusiasm due to the beatification of Don Bosco.

Finally, GC14 had to proceed with a new leadership transition, with an almost unanimous vote (83 votes out of 87) for Fr. Peter Ricaldone.

Below is a summary of these 7 Salesian general chapters (1898-1932), indicating the original structure with details on the president (rector major), moderator, members, location, duration, key themes, and particular notes or significant developments.

8. GC8 (1898) – Unity of Spirit

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 6 days (August 29 –September 3)
• President: Fr. Michael Rua
• Moderator: Fr. Francis Cerruti
• Members: 217 chapter members
• Themes: Strengthening of unity of spirit, revision of regulations, and practical application of deliberations.
• Significant notes and developments: Introduction of the 3-year practical training for young Salesians.

9. GC9 (1901) – Establishment of the Provinces

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 5 days (September 1–5)
• President: Fr. Michael Rua
• Moderator: Fr. Francis Cerruti
• Members: 154 chapter members, 8 consultants
• Topics: Creation of the provinces, theological studies, and practical training.
• Notes and significant developments: First canonical institution of the Salesian provinces. 

10. GC10 (1904) – Legislative Framework

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 22 days (August 23 –September 13)
• President: Fr. Michael Rua
• Moderator: Fr. Francis Cerruti
• Members: 75 chapter members
• Topics: Regulation of general chapters and novitiates.
• Significant notes and developments: Election of members at the level of provinces. 

11. GC11 (1910) – Transition of Leadership

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 17 days (August 15–31)
• President: Fr. Paul Albera
• Moderator: Fr. Louis Piscetta
• Members: 73 chapter members
• Topics: Election of Fr. Paul Albera as rector major and revision of regulations at all levels
• Significant notes and developments: Emphasis on maintaining the paternal spirit of the directors.

12. GC12 (1922) – Post-War Reorganization

• Place: Turin, Oratory of St Francis de Sales
• Duration: 17 days (April 23 –May 9)
• President: Fr. Philip Rinaldi
• Moderator: Fr. Louis Piscetta
• Members: 64 chapter members
• Topics: Adaptation to the 1917 Code of Canon Law.
• Significant notes and developments: First GC after a 12-year break due to World War I; election of Fr. Rinaldi as rector major.

13. GC XIII (1929) – Missionary Expansion and Ecclesiastical Studies

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 12 days (July 9–20)
• President: Fr. Philip Rinaldi
• Moderator: Fr. Bartholomew Fascie
• Members: 88 chapter members
• Topics: Reorganization of ecclesiastical studies and professional schools, organic development of missions
• Significant notes and developments: The chapter was held in the euphoria of Don Bosco’s beatification (June 2, 1929).

14. GC14 (1932) – Transition of Leadership

• Place: Valdocco
• Duration: 3 days (May 16–18)
• President: Fr. Peter Ricaldone
• Moderator: Fr. Bartolomeo Fascie
• Members: 87 chapter members
• Topics: Election of Fr. Peter Ricaldone as rector major.
• Significant notes and developments: extraordinary chapter, convened following Fr. Rinaldi’s death of (Dec. 5, 1931).