GC29 Initial Reports on State of the Congregation

GC29: Initial Reports
on the State of the Congregation

(ANS – Turin – February 25, 2025) – “Knowledge for decision-making”—this has been the guiding principle of the first days of the 29th General Chapter underway in Valdocco (Turin). As Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the chapter’s president, explained, in order to engage meaningfully with the decisions that must be made, each participant needs a broad and detailed understanding of the Congregation as a whole.

This process began with an in-depth discussion on the role of the vicar, described in the Salesian Constitutions as the “first collaborator of the Rector Major.” The discussion also considered recent developments and challenges faced by the vicar. The vicar serves as a kind of provincial for Salesian houses directly under the Rector Major, including those in close proximity to the Holy See, such as the Salesian presence inside Vatican City, the Catacombs of St. Callistus, and the pontifical parish in Castel Gandolfo.

“His internal service fosters an authentic consecrated life, helping to reveal its profound beauty,” Fr. Martoglio emphasized. He also pointed out that each province should give greater consideration to the role of its vicar, ensuring that their mission focuses on religious life and discipline. As a result, Art. 168 of the Constitutions will need further clarification.

Presentations on the Congregation’s Global State

To provide a comprehensive picture of the Congregation worldwide, the following general councilors shared reports:

• Fr. Ivo Coelho, general councilor for formation
• Fr. Miguel Angel Garcia Morcuende, general councilor for youth ministry
• Fr. Gildasio Mendes, general councilor for communications
• Fr. Alfred Maravilla, general councilor for missions
• Fr. Joan Lluis Playà, delegate of the Rector Major for the Secretariat for the Salesian Family

Regional Reports

In the afternoon session, a detailed analysis of 4 Salesian regions was presented:

• Africa – by Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, regional councilor and GC29 Moderator
• South Asia – by Fr. Biju Michael, regional councilor
• East Asia-Oceania – by Fr. Joseph Nguyen Thinh Phuoc, regional councilor
• South Cone of America – by Fr. Hector Gabriel Romero, regional councilor

The remaining regions will be addressed on Tuesday, February 25, and a summary of all interventions will be shared in future articles.

Key Insights and Challenges

From the global analysis of the Congregation, certain significant elements emerged, reflecting both areas of growth and ongoing challenges. Although the current 6-year period was effectively shortened to 5 years, key trends have already been identified—some highlighting progress, while others demanding courageous corrections and changes. The capitulars have already begun internalizing the need for broad, forward-thinking decisions, informed by preliminary discussions within their respective provinces and the first days of the chapter assembly.

Perspectives on the present and future of the Congregation vary, however, depending on factors such as:

·    *    The “youthfulness” of the local Salesian mission
·        The number of vocations
·        Economic and political contexts, which are increasingly affected by recurring humanitarian crises

The Challenges Highlighted by Fr. Coelho

Fr. Ivo Coelho underscored the critical challenges ahead, emphasizing:

• The need to overcome a purely “functional” view of the Salesian vocation
• Joint formation with diocesan priests, which must avoid leading to a loss of Salesian identity
• Authentic implementation of the Preventive System, which requires well-trained formators for young Salesians
• The current condition of youths, as they face cultural shifts that challenge the foundations of their values

A Call for a New “Ratio”

Ultimately, the discussions pointed to the need for a new “Ratio” (guiding principles for formation), one that will help every Salesian respond daily to God’s call with renewed clarity and commitment.