Big Decisions Shaping Up at GC29

Big Decisions Are Taking Shape at GC29 

Work in Progress with Clarity and Sharing

Despite the datelines, all these segments were published on March 10.

(ANS – Turin – March 8, 2025) – “Everything is clear?” repeats the moderator, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, from time to time to the chapter members engaged in the work of the 29th General Chapter. The simple question reflects the complexity and importance of the processes underway. The synodal working method adopted, which requires careful and shared reflection, aims to formulate clear proposals faithful to the prevailing thoughts of the participants. These guidelines will serve as the basis for the decisive deliberations that will shape the future of the Congregation.

Transparency has been identified as a key element of the decision-making process. Not just formal transparency, guaranteed by the collegial reading and approval of the minutes, but above all substantive transparency: the level of decisions being made is high, and every contribution must be carefully considered.

The most relevant aspects, which will impact the next 6 years, concern both the structure of the Congregation and the people who will have the task of realizing it with fidelity and dedication. For this reason, the importance of free, constructive, and open discussions was emphasized. Each chapter member is called to participate actively, avoiding that important decisions are made based on ideas that may be fascinating but not sufficiently thought through.

The president, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, stressed the need to address each issue with calm and precision: ”The method and the time are ours!” This patient and methodical approach proved particularly necessary in addressing the 3d thematic nucleus of GC29, which concerns aligning Salesians worldwide with the challenges and opportunities of the present moment.

The chapter's working document

Friday, March 7, was marked by 3 important moments of assembly synthesis, during which the reports prepared by the 6 committees were presented and discussed. The goal was to share the guidelines that received the most consensus in the working groups, identifying precise formulations to be submitted to the plenary assembly.

The morning’s work focused on initial points, while the rest of the day was dedicated to “refining” the proposals. In the evening, the chapter members were able to discuss 5 draft deliberations, which included topics of great relevance such as: the division of the Africa Region, in response to the need for better coordination and support; and the clarification of the tasks of the regional councilors, considering the expansion of responsibilities and the increasing dynamism of the regions. These proposals represent the fruit of synodal and shared work, which takes into account global challenges and the specific needs of the various Salesian realities.

At the end of the day, the chapter members experienced a moment of intense spirituality with the celebration of the Way of the Cross, animated by texts and images prepared by the East Asia-Oceania Region. This time of prayer and reflection provided an opportunity to renew the community spirit and entrust the chapter’s work to the Lord so that it may be guided by his light.

March 7 once again demonstrated the importance of synodal work that aims for clarity, participation, and transparency. Guided by a patient and shared method, the chapter members are addressing the crucial issues that will determine the future of the Congregation. The journey of CG29 continues, with the awareness that every decision made today will help shape a Congregation even more faithful to Don Bosco’s charism and capable of responding to the needs of young people around the world.

A day of transition between reflection and preparation

(ANS – Turin – March 9, 2025) – Saturday, March 8, marked a pivotal moment of transition at CG29, as the chapter moved from analytical work to drafting recommendations for the future general council regarding the governance of the Congregation. It was a significant day, during which the capitulars immersed themselves in a blend of reflection, study, and voting simulations, all in preparation for the critical decisions to be formally made next Monday.

While waiting for the final texts of the 5 Deliberations resulting from the work of the committees – which could be amended until 6:00 p.m. – the assembly had the opportunity to reread the documents together and informally assess the degree of shared consensus on the proposed formulations. This process not only allowed the chapter members to examine the texts carefully but also to measure the level of approval for the ideas behind them, making the work more participatory and transparent.

During the session, Fr. Martoglio invited Fr. Pier Fausto Frisoli to provide clarifications on the total number of voters. Of the 227 chapter members present, 7 do not have voting rights, while the 4 absentees yesterday (for various reasons) did not affect the total. Fr. Frisoli emphasized that each chapter member expresses himself on behalf of his province, underlining the importance of a moral commitment to participate actively in the decision-making process. As evidence of this sense of responsibility, the 1st informal vote recorded 100% participation from those entitled to vote.

The 5 Deliberations under examination received significant support from the assembly, although about 16% of voters expressed concerns about certain points. This prompted the capitulars to formulate improvement proposals, leaving room for further reflection. Over the weekend, the general secretariat will have the task of integrating the proposed amendments, while many chapter members will participate in a cultural trip to Savona and Alassio.

Over 100 confreres took the holiday at Alassio

A particularly meaningful moment of the day was the intervention of Fr. Pascual Chavez, who was asked to retrace some key stages in the Congregation’s history in the decades following the Second Vatican Council. The former Rector Major summarized the content and challenges faced during General Chapters 23, 24, and 25, highlighting how the Salesians have remained faithful to the core of their charism, even amid profound cultural and geopolitical transformations.

Fr. Chavez recalled that CG23 focused on educating young people in faith, identifying a specific youth spirituality, strengthened by the celebration of the centennial of Don Bosco’s death, an event that confirmed the Church’s attention to new generations.

CG24, on the other hand, marked a turning point in the consideration of laypeople within the Church and the Salesian mission. “Twenty-one laypeople were present and participated in the chapter for its entire duration,” Fr. Chavez recalled, emphasizing that their participation should not be seen as mere collaboration but as genuine co-responsibility in Salesian life.

Finally, CG25 focused attention on fraternity within Salesian communities, seeking to overcome “the dichotomy between the need for communion and the saturation of community life,” a condition that often led to the loneliness of many confreres.

The morning concluded with Mass presided over by Fr. Bosco Zaya Aung, superior of the Burmese vice province. During the liturgy, which took place in the context of the first Friday of Lent, a prayer was offered for the population of Burma and all countries affected by armed conflicts. The situation in Burma remains dramatic: since the military coup 4 years ago, the country has been devastated by a civil war that has caused over 55,000 deaths and 3,000,000 displaced people.

The Eucharist is at the center of our life

Chapter members from territories marked by conflict are direct witnesses to the suffering afflicting their populations, and the moment of prayer provided an opportunity to entrust to the Lord the hopes for peace and justice.

March 8 represented an important transitional step for CG29, combining moments of reflection and practical participation. Through synodal work, the chapter members continue to build a path of clarity and co-responsibility, aware that every decision made will help shape the future of the Congregation. The journey continues with confidence, illuminated by Don Bosco’s charism and the mission to respond to the needs of young people around the world.

Forecast for March 10-15 at the general chapter

(ANS – Turin – March 10, 2025) – This week at GC29 will be marked by decisive moments of discussion, voting, and discernment, which will shape the future of the Salesian Congregation. The main topics on the agenda are the organization of regions, the organization of the general council, and the priesthood requirement for leadership. Here is an overview of what is scheduled to happen in the coming days.

Monday: Decisions on the organization of regions

This afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., the 2nd vote will take place regarding the establishment of a new region in Africa. If the vote is positive, the chapter members from the Africa Region will propose an internal subdivision of the region, which will be submitted to the assembly for approval. Another point of discussion will be Croatia’s request to join the Mediterranean Region: a 1st vote has already yielded positive results, but further confirmations are awaited.

Tuesday: Focus on the organization of the general council
The day will be dedicated to the 2d theme of the 3d nucleus, namely the structure of the general council. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the committees will present their proposals to the assembly, which will then be refined and put to a vote. Since these involve amendments to the Constitutions, a qualified two-thirds majority will be required, making this phase particularly delicate and crucial.

Wednesday and Thursday: Debate on the priesthood requirement for leadership
The debate on the priesthood requirement for leadership roles – director, provincial, and Rector Major – will take center stage. This topic, related to the rescript granted by the Pope, opens the possibility for some congregations not to require priesthood for these roles. The discussion will be complex, as it touches on charismatic and pastoral aspects of the Congregation and will require careful evaluation of the balance between fidelity to Don Bosco’s vision and current needs.

Weekend: Work on the first thematic nucleus
Toward Thursday and Friday, the 1st draft of the 1st thematic nucleus is expected to be finalized, while work on the 2d nucleus may already begin. The week will conclude with a synthesis of the work carried out, in preparation for the elections of the general council scheduled for the following week.

This week will be decisive for GC29, with votes and debates that will shape the future of the Congregation. Intense days of work, reflection, and prayer are expected, always oriented toward fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism and the challenges of the Salesian mission.