GC29: Obedient to the Young and to the Spirit

Open Discussions, Always in Obedience 
to Young People and the Holy Spirit

(ANS – Turin – March 11, 2025) – The guiding principle of the work being carried out by the participants of GC29 has been “Obedient to reality in order to build for young people.” But with a key distinction: “Obedient to the Spirit.” This was reiterated at the start of the day by Fr. Stefano Martoglio. The chapter is tasked with assessing the state of the Salesian Congregation and remaining open to even profound changes if necessary. 

The assembly’s discussions focused on hearing reports from the representatives of the 6 committees established to analyze the 3 thematic areas that were proposed. The structure of the future general council and the configuration of the regions were the subjects of deliberations, which were formally put to a vote by Monday, March 10. 

There were differing opinions on the extent of the changes to be made: from transforming 2 departments (communication and missions) into secretariats directly under the Rector Major, to refining the roles and tools available to the current departments and regions within the general council. A general consensus emerged in favor of splitting the Africa Region and for including Croatia in the Mediterranean Region. 

Beyond the voting results—where all proposed deliberations were approved—what stood out was the reasoning behind each position. Fr. Martoglio welcomed these perspectives as they contributed to a deeper understanding of the Congregation’s structure for governance and animation. 

Many participants admitted they were not yet fully prepared to make decisions on organizational aspects, as they lacked sufficient insight into the mechanisms behind them. As a result, questions and requests for more time were encouraged, since, regardless of GC29’s official deadlines, every Salesian present would leave with a greater awareness of the vast and complex “system” in which they operate. 

Moreover, discussions in both the committees and the assembly often touched on broader cultural and pastoral challenges faced by the departments and regions, including: 

• Formation and animation within provinces in an international context;
• The mission within a new framework of constant exchange between confreres;
• The need to prevent structural inertia from slowing progress;
• Commitment to following the Church’s call to be “outgoing”;
• The evolving role of laypeople, who are increasingly present in leadership positions;
• The evangelizing role of communication in an increasingly “distracted” society. 

Diverse opinions and intense debates will naturally persist. But, as Fr. Martoglio reaffirmed, “We are all experiencing a strong sense of responsibility and the high quality of the work being done, where everyone is engaged in everything.”