GC29: Fraternal & Community Life

Progress on Fraternal and Community Life under St. Joseph’s Protection

Presenting the Sri Lanka Province to GC29

(ANS – Turin – March 20, 2025) – The solemnity of St. Joseph was celebrated with particular intensity during GC29. The participants turned to the patron of the Congregation, seeking his guidance and intercession for the successful outcome of the ongoing assembly in Valdocco.

At the beginning of the session, Fr. Stefano Martoglio reported on the decisions of the central committee, aimed at organizing the various inputs from the assembly in the most effective way and enhancing the work of the 6 committees. These committees, along with the editorial committee, focused on listening to and studying the theme: ”Animation and care for the true life of each Salesian.”

The discussions have resulted in:

·        106 propositions in the “listening” phase

·        92 propositions in the “interpretation” phase

·        156 propositions in the “decision-making” phase.

These numbers reflect both the complexity of the topics and the diversity of perspectives that emerged from the extensive “conversation in the Spirit” held in the previous days.

A Living Document in Progress

A 12-page draft document has been produced, providing a global overview of the current state of the Congregation, as well as specific proposals for strengthening its missionary capacity among young people. This document is still a working draft, open to corrections and improvements. The 9-member editorial committee encouraged chapter members to submit specific suggestions for refinement.

The analysis highlights how Salesians today live in societies marked by acceleration, efficiency-driven culture, and consumerism, which often lead to individualism. To counter these challenges, the Salesian community must recenter itself on the Eucharist, recognizing it as:

·        The core of the Salesian community,

·        A daily return to the deeper meaning of service,

·        The strongest safeguard against loss of commitment and fidelity.

This draft expresses an optimistic vision, reaffirming the fundamental purpose and mission of the Congregation.

Bro. Travis Gunther leads the chapter's morning prayer

Alongside the sacraments, prayer and lectio divina are seen as essential for:

·        Deepening awareness of one’s vocation,

·        Offering a critical, prophetic, and consistent interpretation of how to live out this vocation in today’s world.

Fraternity, Mission, and Mutual Support

True fraternal life is inseparable from a commitment to the poorest and most vulnerable young people. This mission demands a simple and consistent lifestyle, which in turn strengthens the spiritual and apostolic energy of the Salesian community. The document emphasizes that when this energy falters, there’s need for a renewed commitment to mutual charity, so that Salesians can support and encourage one another in their shared mission.

Don Bosco himself was well aware of human limitations, the challenges of relationships, and the weaknesses of young people in his oratories. Then, as now, it is essential to invoke the Holy Spirit, asking Him to shape hearts today just as He shaped the heart of Don Bosco.

This spiritual renewal will serve as the foundation for strengthening fraternal life within Salesian communities, ensuring that members truly care for one another. The Salesian vocation, formed through years of study and formation, must be continually nourished and sustained.

Final Discussions and Future Directions

As the day concluded, the assembly listened to and discussed the reports from the 6 committees, focusing on 2 key topics:

 The creation of 2 new regions in Africa.

 Fr. Joan Lluis Playà’s proposal regarding the role of the central delegate for the Salesian Family within the general chapter.

Finally, Fr. Pier Fausto Frisoli presented legal matters to be studied further in the upcoming week. The work at GC29 continues, with deep reflection and discernment guiding the future of the Salesian Congregation.