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.