1512 Salesian Cooperators - Not so subtle changes
austraLasia 1512

Salesian Cooperators - not so subtle changes

ROME: 31st March 2006 --  This coming November will see the major ASC event of the century - the first World Congress of the century (there will be other major events yet to come) in Rome.  It is not just another meeting.  The worldwide Association of Salesian Cooperators is very much on the move, and November's meeting will stamp the Association with its project of life for the millennium we are now well into.
    It is good to watch changing terminology, because it is often a hint to much deeper changes going on.  Anybody who has had anything to do with the Salesian Cooperators would know of the RAL or Regulations of Apostolic Life.  And here is the first hint of major change.  You might like to take a look at the Bosconet Cooperator's page (you can navigate there from the homepage at www.bosconet.aust.com easily enough under EAO Resources).  The old RAL are still there, but please note that from November, or at least from the time the Rector Major as the Superior of the Association approves the changes, RAL will no longer exist.  Its place will be taken by two fundamental items which will, together, make up the PAL or Project of Apostolic Life.  This PAL is explicated in a set of Statutes (Salesians can read 'Constitutions') and Regulations, thus bringing things into line with the other two major branches of the Salesian Family, and in fact also in line with the general trend in societies of apostolic life.  Both Statutes and Regulations for the PAL are available at the top of the page referred to.
    There will no longer be a 'World Consulting Body'; this will now become a World Council.  Consultative or Advisory Council groups now exist at Regional level (e.g. the EAO Advisory Council) or in a Province, but there as the Provincial Advisory Council for the Salesian Family which includes ASC but not only.  It would be best to drop the term 'consulta' in English, as it is not English!  Of course it is useful for in-house reference, but since the Cooperators live in the world amongst the rest of God's billions of beloved beings, many of whom speak English, it would help to use terms they will understand.
    The important thing for Salesians, and Sisters at this stage since together they are responsible for the animation of the ASC, is to read and become familiar with these two new documents.  They are very readable.  The translation has been achieved with much care and consultation amongst ASC members directly involved in the management of the Association in English-speaking areas  - in particular the world English-speaking representative, Marlene Frederick, from the USA, and the EAO Regional Councillor Philip Yu from Hong Kong.  There may be minor changes as a result of the November World Council Meeting, but the die is virtually cast.

GLOSSARY
the die is (virtually) cast:  A die is a mould used for shaping metal
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