CG29: Listening, Expression, and Unified Vision for the Future
(ANS – Turin – March 14, 2025) – On Thursday, March 13, the participants of CG29 were engaged in 2 fundamental tasks: listening and expression. On the one hand, they devoted patient attention to the reports of the 6 committees, which drafted a detailed text on the topics of Core Theme 1; on the other hand, they reviewed the progress made so far, allowing everyone to recognize themselves in the process thru the approval of minutes and deliberations.
To this commitment was added the need to
intensify the exchange of ideas, even during informal moments, to clarify their
own thoughts and better understand those of others. The chapter, in fact, can
be compared to a large workshop, where the 3 “production lines” (i.e., the core
themes) intertwine while maintaining their own specificity in terms of content
and weight. This requires the capitulars to demonstrate considerable mental
flexibility and resilience: they must keep the “technical designs” and the “pieces”
to be assembled distinct, without losing sight of the unified and coherent
vision that will transform these reflections into the “finished product.”
A Strengthened Vision for the General Council
A central aspect of the day’s work was the
consolidation of the vision of the general council, ensuring that it adequately
represents the departments and regions. The goal of closer coordination was
outlined, aimed at more recognizable and unified action, along with enhancing
the planning capacity of this body.
At the same time, the essential traits to be
recognized in confreres called to roles of responsibility, both globally and
within the provinces, were reaffirmed. These confirmations were enriched with
important nuances, in line with the directions that CG29 is charting for the
next 6-year period.
Centrality of Christ and Fidelity to Vocation
The committees and their rapporteurs presented texts on 2 key topics: the centrality of Christ and the care of vocations, and listening, interpretation, and choices for the lives of Salesians. These reflections offered a frank and in-depth assessment of the spiritual, psychological, and organizational state of Salesian communities.
There was no hesitation in highlighting
personal and structural limitations, and the convergence of observations
emerging from different groups attests to the credibility and, at times, the
severity of the analyses. The objective is clear: today’s Salesian must
reaffirm fidelity to his vocation, moving from ideals and abstractions to inner
authenticity and practical concreteness.
This means reexamining the methods and
practices of community life, which must be envisioned as families capable of
listening to and understanding the difficulties of each confrere and together
addressing the inevitable recurring crises. Salesians, immersed in the
contemporary world, are influenced by it and constantly questioned, often even “provoked,”
by its challenges.
The set of documents produced so far, now an
integral part of CG29’s legacy, allows for redefining the direction of the path
to be taken. This path must authentically serve the human and Christian growth
of every confrere, fostering lifelong formation in a climate of authenticity
and joy.
On the horizon, the image of the oratory
emerges as a paradigm of a fraternal and welcoming relationship: a place where
every person can be listened to and supported, where the creativity necessary
to respond to the needs of the heart and available resources can be developed.
The oratory, in fact, represents a model capable of fostering youth gatherings
and education, evangelical witness to the poor, and the construction of peace.
GC29 continues its work with determination,
striving to translate these reflections into concrete guidelines for the future
of the Salesian mission. The challenges are great, but so also is the hope of
building more authentic communities, faithful to their calling, and capable of
responding coherently to the needs of our time.
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