GC29 Makes a Historic Decision

CG29 Makes a Historic Decision 

(ANS – Turin – March 15, 2025) – March 13 at CG29 at Valdocco will be remembered as a milestone in the history of the Salesian Congregation. During the assembly, a resolution was approved that will, ad experimentum, allow the role of director of a Salesian community to be entrusted to any member, without the requirement that he be a priest.

This decision, which requires the approval of the general council and the rector major who will be elected later this month, represents a significant step toward greater recognition of the vocational complementarity between Salesian priests and Salesian brothers.

The resolution, adopted with the consensus of the majority of the chapter members, was accompanied by intense debate and open, fraternal dialog. We gathered the impressions of 3 Salesian brothers present in Valdocco, who shared their reflections on this important development.

The Voices of the Brothers: A New Opportunity for the Community Service

Albert-Sébastien Ramadan, originally from Chad and currently in Tunisia, was invited as an observer and contributed to the debate with an intervention in the assembly hall:

“After yesterday’s vote, which gives Salesian brothers the opportunity, on an experimental basis, to be directors of a local community, I feel satisfied. There was a debate on this topic to consider the pros and cons. I felt that my intervention at CG29 was useful; it brought something additional. Even when I spoke in our committee, many changed their perspectives.

The Holy Spirit made sure that there was a viewpoint that satisfied both sides. For now, it is already an open door, and this is a step forward. Everything God has done is good: I am convinced it was the Spirit who acted. He will act and guide us according to God’s will.”

Van Luan Bui, from Vietnam, is also an observer at CG29. In his country, Salesian brothers represent a significant component of the community:

“I am happy about everything that has been decided because we are focusing on our responsibility toward the community, our mission, and the young. We have listened to the Father’s will, and we took the time to learn to confront one another about it. Now our communication is open, and we have found a way to work together.

“In Vietnam, there is a strong presence of brothers, more than 70 members: a number that stems from the quality of the work we do and the spirit of community that unites us.”

Lucas Mario Mautino, a delegate from the Northern Argentina Province, shared a thought that recalls the figure of Artemides Zatti, the recently canonized Salesian brother from Argentina:

“I think it’s also a beautiful sign of the times that non-ordained members, on some occasions, can be called to serve in positions of authority in the style of Jesus. I see this new option we are taking with much hope, particularly for the service of young people.

“Don Bosco envisioned us as a single vocation, living in fraternal complementarity, valuing one another. To understand the Salesian priest and the Salesian brother, we must consider them together: this is the direction to follow. We also have Artemides Zatti as a model, and it’s beautiful to look to him in this moment. For us, he’s a very important figure who teaches us to evangelize and educate through testimony and a way of life.”

Both U.S. provinces sent brothers to GC29
as their delegates:
Bros. Tom Mass & Travis Gunther, standing against the wall
in a committee meeting

A Courageous Step toward the Future

The decision made at CG29 represents a significant turning point and a sign of the times for the Salesian Congregation. It not only opens new prospects for service and leadership for Salesian brothers but also emphasizes the value of vocational complementarity within communities.

In the history of the Salesian Family, this choice aligns with the spirit of Don Bosco, who always considered vocation as a unique reality enriched by the diversity of charisms. Looking to the future, CG29 has chosen to embrace a more inclusive vision that strengthens the Salesian mission to serve young people and local communities.

With the contribution of all members, priests and brothers, the chapter continues its journey with determination, reaffirming its fidelity to God’s call and the Salesian charism, always attentive to the signs of the times.

Some of the New Rochelle Province's Brothers
at Mass, Marian Shrine, Feb. 4, 2023