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.”