3252 The VDB concludes their 7th General Assembly
austraLasia #3252

 


The VDB concludes their 7th General Assembly

SALESIANUM-ROME (ITALY) 28 July 2013- Last Sunday, 74 Volunteers of Don Bosco concluded their 7th General Assembly, re-electing the president of the institute, Ms. Olga Krizova. After almost a week dedicated to discussions and study, this group coming from 25 countries will go back to their places of origin with renewed enthusiasm for more vocations, formation, apostolic fruitfulness and social communications.

This secular institute, founded by Blessed Philip Rinaldi is also present in several countries of the EAO. They live the vows maintaining the ordinariness of daily life and professional life, staying with their parents/family or on their own. In this meeting, there were 9 members who represented 7 countries in the East Asia-Oceania region.

The VDB's are part of our Salesian Family by virtue of the close Salesian affinity of their founder. Although they have their own separate internal organization, the Volunteers of Don Bosco rely on the SDB's for regular assistance during monthly days of recollection, retreats and spiritual accompaniment. The VDB's add a Salesian touch where ever they are: at work, in volunteer service, in missions or in their local parish activities. They do not introduce or identify themselves as VDB's. They do not necessarily have to work in a Salesian institution nor do they have to own or run a school. They simply live their consecration in the world.

The Rector Major, Fr. Pascual Chavez SDB, who celebrated the opening Mass of this general assembly, had always encouraged the mutual help and esteem we ought to have among the different branches of the Salesian Family, respecting their charism and promoting their vocations. Don Bosco had desired a large company of persons, with a variety of backgrounds, collaborating with zeal for souls and the welfare of the young especially those in need.