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Acts_1971_264.ASC

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YEAR LI!

JUNE 1971

N. 264

AGTS OF THE SUPERIOR COUNGII

OF THE SALESIAN SOCIETY

SUMMABY

l. Letter of Cardlnal J. Vlllot, Secretary of State to Hls Hollness, to t{re

Boctor Malor.

ll, Openlng address at the Speclal Genera! Chapter (Rector Malor)

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lll.

Prosentation of

(Bector Malor)

the

Report

the

general

state

the

Congregatlon

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LETTER OF CARDINAL J; VILLOT,

SECRETARY OF STATE OF HIS HOLINESS

TO THE RECTOR MAJOR

SECRETARIATE OF STATE

No. 182803

om the Vatican.

26 Apnl L971.

Very Rea. Fatber,

The Suprene Pontiff bas learnt witb satisfaction tbat on 70 lane

at the neu Generalate on Via della Pisana, Rarne, yoa uill begin the

uork of the Special General Cbapter ol tbe Congregation foanded.. by

Saint John Bosco.

For tbis eaent, so oery irnportant in tbe history of'tbe Salesian

Society as a sign of its perennial youtbful oitality and ol its desire tb

rneasare

Coancil

II,

heartily to tbe

His Holiness

directiaes of tbe Holy See and of Vatican

desires to express bis 'gooil' uishes and

dssaraflce of prayers that tbe meeting ol sucb narteroas and seasoned

religious who bring witb tbern the experiences, the response and tbe

expectations ol the great lanily ol Don Bosco scattered througboult

the uorld, may prodace tbe results desired by yoarseff, tbe saperiors

and tbe confreiei.

The Holy Father is auare in fact that your Institute'is boldingtbe

Cbapter at a particularly bistotic n ornent, one lall of promise but not

uitboat dift.calties and uises. Tbese latter are either etrternal, becattse

of the translornations taking place in the society in uthich ue liae

and uhicb nzake the penetration ol tbe Christian ,tzessage more dtft.cult;

or internal, because ol tbe repercussians uhicb these changes haoe bad

in general on the religious lile as it questions itse$, its purposes, its

acbieaements, and specifically also on tbe great Salesian Fanily. In

fact wben ore thinks ol tbe enorrnoas burden of tbe uorld problem

ol youth, to ubom yoa dedicate yoar best energies, the turbulencr!

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whicb possesses and agitates young people, tbe seerning lutility attributed.

to traditional pedagogical rnetbods, and the need that is widety fett

and experienced lor neu educational techniques, one cannot belp but

be aware ol wbat irnmense problerns baue to be brougbt to tbe consid.-

eration of the Council Fathers.

Whilst applqudirug tbe noble undertaking uhicb proposes to up-date

the apostolic and religious directiaes ol tbe Salesians, tbe Supreme

Pontifr at tbe same tine stresses that tbe solution of the most argent

problems is to be sougbt aboue all in the conscientious study and

willing application ol tbe Council docaments relatiae to tbe priestly

and religious lile understood as a total consecration tO Cbrist and to

the Churcb in tbe seruice ol souls. In the case ol your Congregation

tbis will regard tbe special dedication to loang people so as to help

tbem to be themselues, to liae their oun buruan and Cbristian experi-

ence autbentically, belping thern to find in the lriendship uitb the

Diaine Redeemer wbich tbey cultiaate with loyalty and feeling, tbe

piuot uhich animates tbeir complete forrnation, centred in tbe sac-

ramental lile ol the Church and. in charity touards their brotbers. But

sach a progra?zrme ubicb is none other tban that ol tbe founder

- of your religious lamily cannot be tully applied uitbout re-discoaer-

- ing the genuine spirit ol Don Bosco which has bitberto giaeru an indelible

inzpression to bis uorks and bas been a most lruitlul principle ol

goid 1o, tbe Churcb and lor bumanity, the directing loice of' eaery

energy in tbe care ol youth; and ,euen today this is and. renains tbe

cbief task of those wbo, like the Salesians, loae the young and desire

to preserue tbeir strengtb intact in tbe seraice ol tbe Gospel ideals,

in delence ol sound aalues pertaining to the indiaidual, tbe lamily

and society.

Vbikt renewing tbe good uishes arud. ad,aice addressed to tbe

menbers of tbe Salesian Congregation in tbe recent audience ol 3

April 1971 (cf. Osservatore Romano,4 April 1971), tbe Vicar ol

Christ is pleased to ercpress to yoa and to your collaborators bis liaely

gratif.cation and encouragement regarding the direction and stimalation

ubicb uill come fortb from the Cbapter and tbe aims proposed lor

it. In particular the Holy Fatber realizes your daily anxiety and.-solic-

itade, be appreciates tbe lact that your uork is neither easy nu restful

and be uishes to assure you that at this delicate rzornent be is close

to loa witb bis latberly beneaolence and prayers, iaaoking apon yoa

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God's alrnighty belp tbroagh tbe intercession of Mary Hetp ol Christians

and ol Saint lohn Bosco, whose soleran oftce yoa baae inberited., so

tbat heauen ?zay not lail to protect and inspire tbe Farnily found,ed

by bin.

Thi Holy Fatber accompanies these good, uishes witb the auspi-

cious Apostolic Blessing uhicb be wbolehearted,ly irnparts to you, to

tbe Cbapter rnernbers

I express rny oun

and to

cordial

all the conlreres ol

good uishes lor tbe

tbe Congregation.

good. work and I

take tbis occasion to confi.rm ny religioas respect for youi,r l,erson.

Yours deaotedly in Our Lord,

l. Card,inaMLLOT.

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THE RECTOR MAJORS

OPENING ADDRESS AT THE SPECIAL GENERAL CIIAPTER

My dear confteres,

It is rlificult to hide the many feelings that move me deeply at

this moment. There is the sentiment of ioy at seeing confreres from

the most diverse and distant regions all present here with the same

ideal, moved by the same spirit in the n,me of our co6mon Father.

There is a feeling of satisfaction because youf preserlce in this hal| is

a visible manifestation of the

plan of preparations for this

crowning

Chapter.

act of the long and labodous

I experience too a lively and

rolid feeling of confidence that by the grace of God, airibus et cordibus

unitis, we-shall happily find the way to fulfil the truly exceptional

mandate entrusted io ur by the Congregation in compliance with the

Church's desire.

. Unfornrnately we have to note with deep sorrow that some con-

freres who are particularly dear to all of us are absent from this assembly,

nor permitted 1o

and constructive

five with us during these days

chatity. Th.y sufier intensely

of fraternal,

on account

salesian

of this

enforced absence but at the same time they find in their love for the

Congregation the strength needed to transform their sufiering into a

holocaust of prayer for all of us and for our labours.

Togethet with this invaluable form of prayer they ofier the Con'

$egation the no less precious gift of their fidelity. Let me quote from

a recent letter from behind the Iron Curtain:

t}an

Believe us

we loved

when we say that we

it under tribulation...

never loved out vocation more

's7e assure you of our fidelity,

promising our humble but fervent prayefs that the General chapter

Lay bnng about a salutary renewal and a betterment of life in the

$- eaOt ufarfrai7fiyecotifonDaoten

Bosco >>.

thoughts

admiration

and

gratitude

out

all these dear brethren, wherever they are and in whatever way they

are restricted in exercising their rights as free men. From them too we

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take warning and example regarding that fidelity to the Congregation

which is all the more tangible and €tenerous when bedewed with tears

and sufiering.

<< The Lotd be with you! r>

Oficially announcing the opening of the Special General Chapter

in accordance with article 138 of our Constitutions, I can find no

better and more pleasant greeting that this: < Tbe Lord be witb you! >>.

Jesus our Lord has assured us: << IU[herever two or three are gathered

togetler in My name, I am in the midst of them >. I had already

written those words when I thought of consulting the Biographical

Memoirs to see what ourr Father said to our confreres gathered togethef

at Lanzo on 5 September 1877 for the First Cbapter of the Congre-

gation. Here ate his words:

<< Our Divine Saviour says in the holy Gospel that where two

or three are gathered together in His name, there one can find Him

in the midst of them. I7e have no other purpose in this meeting than

the greater glory of God and the good of souls redeemed by the Pr-ecious

Blood of Jesus Chdst. !7'e can therefore be certain that Our Lord is

in our midst and He will guide things in such a way that everything

will redound to His greater glory rr.

As you see, there is a coincidence of thought and feeling which

incites us to accept and live intensely that greeting which comes not

so much from myself as from our Father: < The Lord be with you! >>.

Ous is an extraordinary sewice

Our tord has brought us together here along the mysterious ways

of His Providence. !7hy?'The reason is a simple one.

!7e have been called here to render an extraordinary service to

our beloved Congregation. Certainly, taking part in a General Chapter

is always an exceptional task, but participating in this particular General

Chapter we feel that ours is a truly extraordinary and in fact unique

service. As we all know, this Chapter is quite difierent from all the

others. It is a << special > Chapter called for by the Church, which has

laid down norms, directives and standards for its preparation and

realisation. Moreover, the Church has also clearly indicated its purposes

and objectives. Following in our Father's footsteps we are fundamentally

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committed to the faithful carrying out of the Church's desire.

The preparation has been extraordinary: it went on for three years;

the extent of cont,rltation was vast so as to get to know the mind of

all the confreres in the Congregation concerning its numerous problems;

vast too the participadon and study contribution of individual confreres,

groups and communities; the two Provincial Chapters (as also this

General Chapter itself ) had an increased number of members. But

that is not all.

It is only right to mention the excellent work done at the two

Provincial Chapters and by their respective study-commissions in an

atmosphere of liberty, respect and dialogue, as also the intelligent,

patient, generous and sel{-sacrificing work accomplished by the various

bentral Qsmmissions. I would like particularly to mention also the

general gratitude of all towards those splendid confreres who worked

indefatigably for several months at Villa Tuscolana, near Rome. In

an atmosphere of Salesian brotherliness and exemplary community

prayer they dedicated themselves to the truly exceptional and laborious

Lsk of patiently drawing up the basic or guide-line dssrrmsnls yqu

have ahiady received. To them and to all those who, in whatever

mode or measure, have given their contribution to the 'preparatory

work, and to Fr. Scrivo, the Regulator, who animated and coordinated

all this immense labour, we extend our own thanks and those of the

whole Congregation for the invaluable service rendered.

TLe venue

Speaking of the special preparations involved, we cannot pass ovef

in silince the technical matter of the buildings. After the XIX General

Chapter decided that the Generalate be ransferred to Rome, the pos-

sibility of its being used for General Chapters was gone into. However,

to accomodate two hundred and frfty or more people and provide all

the necessary services was no simple matter. The solution seemed to

be to have two places: the Generalate and a'house for retreats and

meetings. \\fith an act of trust in Providence the work was begun.

It must be confessed that more than once we had cause to worry.

Unforeseen obstacles and difficulties arose which hampered the timely

completion of the buildings and equipment needed for the Chapter

-.-b.rr and for the functioning of the whole organizing complex of

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the Chapter itself. I7e can say in fact that quite a record has been set

in that, notwithstanding numerous and huge dificulties, at least the

essential services are now ready in the twofold complex of the Gene-

I ralate and the adjoining house for retreats and meetings. am sure I

voice your feelings in here expressing a well-medted vote of thanks

to our Economer General, Fr. Pilla, who allowed himself no rest in

battling against obstacles of every kind, determined to overcome tlem

at any cost. Our thanks also to his immediate and valuable collab-

orators.

True, not everything is as yet perfect in either the Generalate or

the other house but your spirit of understanding, adaptation and

sacrifice will know how to make up for whatever is lacking.

Our fundamental and special task

This being stated, it is extremely important that we all be futly

conscious of the mandare confided to us by the Church and the Con-

gregation.

The basic task of each Chapter member is this: we have been

called here as legislators for the whole Congregation, with the mandate

to search for and find what is best for the common good of the Society

as a whole. The duty is incumbent upon each of us to secure that

common good, if necessary by sacrificing our own particular interests.

This, it seems to me, is the spirit that should animate each capitular

legislator who respects this absorbing mandate of universal character.

The scope of this Chapter makes it something really special because,

as you know, its purpose is to acruate an <( appropriate renewal >>

adapied to the religious life of our Congregation. Those rwo words

contain an enormous prograrnme involving huge and complex problems

which we are called upon to study and resolve. It is enough to read

aricle 3 of Perlectae Caritatis to see how vast and even universal is

the scope given to the General Chapter in the matter of renewal:

<< The manner of living, praying, and working should be suitably

adapted to the physical and psychological condition of today's religious

and also, to the extent required by the nature of each community, to

the needs of the apostolate, the requirements of a given culture,-the

social and economic circumstances anywhere, but especially in mis-

sionary territories.

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<< The way in whic-h communities are governed should also be

re-examined in the light of these same standards.

<< For this reason constitutions, directories, custom books, books

of prayers afld ceremonies, and similar compilations are to be suitably

revised and brought into harmony with the documents of this sacred

Synod. This task will require the suppression of outmoded regulations >>

(Perfectae Caritatis, 3).

That compendious enumeration alone could, as experience has

shown, give rise to a certain reaction: Must everything be changed?

Must nothing of our past remain? It is wise then

substantial root meaning of the word << renewal >

to go

itself.

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It is not a

matter of desttoying the Congregation or substituting it by another,

nor does it demand a new foundation. \\[e are not here to form a new

Congtegation, for we have neit}et fie charism nor the mandate to do

it so. I-t iithe same identical Congregation that is called upon to reanimate

itself whilst remaining essentially what Don Bosco wished to be

according to heavenly inspiration and as it has developed along the

lines of sound tmdition.

It is question here of the delicate operation of rejuvenation.

Ptecisely on account of this it requires extreme attention and maximum

respect since a scalpel must be applied to the actual living body which

'has generated us. Those who gird themselves to undertake rhis operation

must, as it were, put on new clothes and be imbued with the charismatic

spitit of 'our Fat-her. Let us-at least undertake this task with a delicacy

composed especially of humility and deep respect, filially intent on

interpreting the mind of our Father without fa[ing into the temptation

of substituting ourselves for him'

Duce Ecclesia! Ve shall tread on solid ground by relying constantly

on the Church's guidance, for she ofiers all those helps that factlitate

the clarification of our mandate as legislators of the renewal of the

Congregation.

A secure gurde in the magisterium

The fust help it provides is simultaneously a guarantee of well-

founded work. This is to be found in the conciliar and postconciliar

documents and then in the papal and hierarchical magisterium. For

the rest, the Churcle itself in calling for the renewal of religious insti-

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tutes clearly points out that this must be inspired by the Council,

the whole Council as understood and represented by the words of

Paul VI: a << spirit that is at once renovating and innovating >.

Needless to say, among the conciliar and postconciliar documents we

should primarily give constant and deep attention to those that concern

us direcdy. However, it is obvious that we should not restfict our

continuous attention merely to those statements. Through its documents

\\il/e must be aware of the whole Council as completed especially by

the Pontifical Magisterium which has in recent years been rich in its

teachings and in its constant up-to-date recommendations, especially

regarding renewal. It would be a grave sin of omission and a sign

of infidelity to our Father, who was so filially attentive to the words

of the pope, were we to ignore that authoritative and magisterial word

which includes all the interesting and renovating literature dealing

with the renewal of the religious life on authentic conciliar lines.

As Chapter membets we shall also find an indispensable help in

Salesian literature. I appreciate that there will not be ime for every-

thing but still we should be able to read up on so many essentially

Salesian matters. 'We cannot take up definite positions on evdn basic

problems witlout such good support. To this end the programme of

work will certainly be organized in such u w4y as to allow at least a

minimum of time for such necessary study.

\\[e are dgalirig with GOd,s affairs

I At this stage feel it is necessary that we should once more take

deep and clear cognizance of our task, for from this there will flow

consequences thet are essential to the success of the enterprise in which

'we ate engaged.

I Dear con{reres, do not presume to postufe as a master before

you but the heavy responsibility imposed on my shoulders as the

successor of Don Bosco obliges me to recall first to myself and then

- to you the wotds of the Apostle: Videte quod tractatis

to what you are doing >.

aa Pay heed

Ours is not a gathering of shareholders in a firm; it is not a political

assembly with contrasting economic interests, prestige and ambitions.

Here we are the Chuch, or better an assembly of consecrated men,

re-united in God's name, voved totally to a supernatural ideal; we

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feel we are men of faith whose concems are deeply rooted in that faith

and whose activities, including those of the here and now, are fully

e:nlightened, animated and motivated by faith.

\\7e are not here because of any mere human concerns; ours are

the interests of God, of His Kingdom, of His Church. 'S7e are here

primarily concemed with the souls of our confreres and those confided

to our care. Even i{ we have to discuss questions of. otgantzation and

economy, this will be only in so far as they are necessary instruments

in our mission. All the sociological, statistical, historical and philo-

sophical sciences which we make use of are merely utensils in carrying

- out the mission to which we are consecrated a spiritual, supernatutal

mission. If we do actually rcalae that we are here to meat of God's

aftaiirs, of souls, then we shall not need to convince ourselves that atl.

the many human means which we can put to use will be of little value

in fuIf,[ing our mandate if we are not on fu's

explicidy, on a supernatural level and outlook.

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Renewal and holiness

Certain obvious and useful considerations follow upon this. Regard-

ing the General Chapter the word << renewal >> has sufiered much

abuse. However, not even the most perfect plan of renewal would

be successful if it were not to be set in motion in the actual life of

the individual members. This actual living of all the valuable impli-

cations of renewal has a name: holiness. It must be cleady stated that

as consecrated people our specific and professional vocation is and

always will be to aim at sanctity more earnestly than the ordinary

baptized Christian. The Church, the Council and the postconciliar

period have all reminded us of this fact.

But our own Don Bosco did not weary in repeating the same fact

to our predecessors, In a circulat letter on 9 June 1867 he wrote

firmly: << The first object of our Society is the sanctification of its

members. Let each one impress this well on his mind and heart,

starting with the Superior General and right down to the last member:

no one is necessary in the Society; God alone is the Head and the

absolutely necessary Master> (Ceria, Epistolarto di S. G. Bosco,

Letter 559).

The very foundation of our Congregation demonsttates the need

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and desire for this deep tenewal summed up in the word << holiness >.

Straight ofi then let us ask ourselves with extreme honesty and a

sense of responsibility: How does the Salesian of today respond to

this categoric commitment and need? How can he be faithful to this

engagement in the new situation and climate created in the wodd in

which he has to live and work today? Does our Salesian entify, as it

exists and functions today, succeed in giving each conftere that

supernatural status of which he has absolute need? How can we

succeed in producing and in communicating the genuine apostolic

vitality which in the past so stimulated the Salesian? Is our Salesian

organism sufiering from a certain lassitude? It is true that one notices

in communities a certain attitude and mentalit/ tending tovrards a

worldly, secularized and materialistic life, towards a christianity that

is << easy, without sacrifices, without duties, without renunciation,

without

deed to

- superiors, without pain >

the demands of a consecrated

all of this alien in word

and Salesian life. !7"hat are

and

the

reasons, all the reasons, for such a siruation? And then let us ask

ourselves if the ways and means ofiered by the Congregation to the

Salesian today to help him towards holiness are proving adequate

to the new situations of our times. How are they being utilized?

Is it not perhaps necessary to substitute them with other eftcacious

resources still inspired towards great zeal for sanctity and perfection?

Truly Salesian renewal

The same questions should be asked regarding apostolate, authentic

apostolate primarily among the young and especially among the poor,

the needy and abandoned. In his message to our Chapter the Holy

Father reminds us of this authoritatively, saying: << ![hen one thinks

of the enormous burden of the world problem of youth, the turbulence

which possesses and agitates them, the 5seming futility attributed to

traditional pedagogical methods, and the need that is widely felt and

experienced for new educational techniques, one cannot help being

awarc of. the immense problems that have to be brought to the consid-

eration of the Chapter Fathers... >>.

The Provincial Chapters showed that these very elemental ar,A

basic problems are to be found in a wide variety of shades in the

whole Congregation.

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I repeat, the Congregation must and wants to recondition itself,

above all in its

understand what

religious, spiritual and apostolic

a range of values is contained in

ltihfeese-

and

words.

you

But

I would like to add at once that such values must be renewed on

Salesian lines and for the Salesian himself, taking into account his

spirit, his mission and his particular make-up (which is difrerent from

that of the Litde Brothers of Jesus, the Jesuits, Opus Dei, etc.). Let

us be realistic then, neither dosing our eyes to our deficiencies and

weak points nor lingering upon them except to eliminate them.

<< Recta Mpere >

Sudr being our problems, it is not merely evident but absolutely

necessary that we unite out hearts in prayer as the Aposdes did in

the Cenade.

As the Special General Chapter drew near, all seccions of 'our

multiple family felt more intensely committed to prayer, convinced

of the absolute need of divine help. From all over the world I have

received assurances and evidence of this immenge'chorus of prayer

and I have in mind especially those souls who'have ofiered up to

God not only their sufierings but even their very lives. GratefuI for

such charity, we today feel comforted and fuII of hope. But obviously

we cannot delegate to others our own duty of pfayer consequent upon

the special responsibilities awaiting us.

'The philosopher Peter !7ust at the end of his life left his disciples

this message: < \\7ith absolute certainty I have discovered the key,

the magic key of I7isdom: it is prayer >>. At our present great task

we too require the wisdom that comes from God, and therefore all

the greater is our need for the key o{ prayer.

Out Lord has said: <,< The Father will give the Holy Spidt to those

who pray >. And what is the Holy Spirit if not the infinite lTisdom

of God? Let us therefore'have recourse to Him duy by day so that,

enriched by His wisdom, we may understand aight (recta sapere),

i.e. see clearly in order to judge wisely and hence come to right deci-

sions. I[e have besides the good fortune of living these extraordinary

days together and our community encounter with God will unite us

even more than our wotk, for Our Lord has assured us that ouf prayer

will thus be tremendously enricJred and exalted.

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But there is even morel each day we shall be united around the

eucharistic table. For us it will not be just a more or less asaningful

dtama but ratler the reJiving of the mystery of Holy Thunday with

the srme faith as the disciples. United with, in and through Christ,

nourished by the same food and drink, we shall feel encompassed by

His solidarity. Having brought our problems and doubts and our

daily life to the zucharistic table we shall take away from it that

strength and health (robur et auxiliurn) which we so gready need.

But even our personal and community prayer and the Eudrarist

itsel{ would be hampered in their divine efiect were we to present

ourselves to God without that humility which is the sine qua non

for the reception of His grace: Resistit superbis, burnilibus d,at gratiarn,

says Our Lotd.

llqmility: premise for construction

Precisely because we are convinced of tlris law of fiumility, we

must be careful in defending ourselves against the ego of 'selfJove

which is ever prompt to nudge other things aside, camouflaging itself

eloquently and persuasively.

Speaking to bishops, cardinals and to the Pope himself on retreat,

Fr. Voillaume in commenting on the words of Jesus, << Unless you

receive the kingdom of God as a litde child, you will not enter t}erein >>,

explained that those words implied comnplete humility of intellect and

poverty of heart. And that is precisely the attitude and spirit which

each of us must bring to the Chapter.

It is necessary to draw attention to the [.act. that dialogue, which

is so important and irreplaceable for the efficacious study of problems,

is founded above all on humility and hence on fespect for one another

and on mutual trust. It will be fruitful if no one considers himself

omniscient or to have a monopoly of truth, and it cannot consist in

expecting the unconditional surrender of the other side. This implies

therefore that the mind of each one should be charitably disposed not

merely to hear but above all to listen to die others.

Still on the subject ef [r,milisy, I would ]ike to add another word:

with our own personal humility let us also bring to the Chapter what

we may call a collective or collegial humility. On account of his ap-

proaching Beatification it gives me great pleasure to quote Don Rua,

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who wrote thus to the Salesians in a circular letter dated 29 January

1894: < It is certain that when we examine the actual state of our Pious

Society we shall easily perceive many imperfections, but God permits

this so as to keep us in holy humility >>. One can hardly say that Don

Rua was a triumphalist!

But what of ourselves? I7ith that << holy humility )> we must be

loyal and frank in recognizing the deficiencies, infidelities and miseries

to be found in the Congregation, shunning the pre-conceived and

basically proud notions of those who do not wish to face up to less

pleasant realities. Jhis does not mean that we are to set outselves up

as judges to ,condemn the men and concerns of the Congregation.

Rather it should mean for all of us an examination of conscience prompt-

ed by our love for the Society which we desire to be sine rnacala et

sine ruga.

Fidelity

I would say that fidelity is consequent upon the humility which

ought to guide our activities in the Chapter. It urges us to raise our

minds to, ot bettet still to adhere with firm and unhesitant confidence

to what is important: God, the Church, the Congregation. In doing

so we must renounce our ovln selves, ouf ovr'n aftaks, ouf oc/n views.

This word << fidelity > is going to recur frequendy in our Chapter

work, just as it did in the preparatory documents. < Fidelity >>, it has

been written, << is the endeavour to keep contact with the rock from

which we have sprung forh, simultaneously as we strive to reach the

goal we are aiming at >. Fidelity therefore is the continual re-discovery

of the profound and inseparable link that unites these two pivots.

Fidelity means penetration beyond the smoky veil of superficiality

into tlre very raison d'€tre of what we accept and profess. Briefly, it

is a law of life. The meaning of fidelity therefore must not be confused

with customary practice or i--obility, for it demands a restraining

attitude of awareness that is animated by the light of experience.

It is important that each of us here persuade himself that in times

of tenewal such as we are living and working in, fidelity is an essen-

tially positive and dynamic attitude. It is not and m,rsi not become"

a mere passive acquiescence to whatever has been inherited or has

become part of our pauimony, but rather it should be an active care

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to use it and bring it to maximum expansion. Fidelity is in no way

related to jealous i--obility or timid traditionalism; rather it is

intertwined with activity, reflection and meditation. Basically, fidelity

is the expression of love ( in our case love fot Don Bosco and the

Congregation), a true love that is intelligent and genuine and whidl

is anxious that the person or thing loved should not become a mere

archeological specimin but rather iemain itself, vigorous with a life

that is active, dynamic and fruitful.

But we must also convince ourselves that fidelity cannot have any

connection either with a certain type of inadvisable progressivism

which desires novelty for novelty's sake; whidr unconsciously leads

to confusion; which credits and accepts every hypothesis as proven or

provable; which, in the name of open-mindedness empties and laicizes

both the Salesian and his mission.

I Having said that, appreciate that in practice discussion is always

something very delicate, iust as the positive situations to which these

principles must be applied are Iikewise delicate and complex. But

precisely on that account we must go ahead with a great sense of

responsibility so as to avoid extremes at either end.

One sole heart

Dear sons, at the beginning of my talk I invited you to make of

out fine big family here a cenacle that is alive and active, but it cannot

be such without that fervent brotherly charity which constitutes its

soul. The principal nourishing source of our fraternity will certainly be

the eucharistic celebration diligently and fruitf-ully lived. But many

other spiritual and even human elements will contribute towards keep-

ing alive ,mongst us the atmosphere of that chaity whid-r unites hearts

in understanding, forbearance, collaboration and joy.

I7e have one specific and particularly interesting motive for making

all of us constructors of our cenacle of charity. In a booh on renewal

I read these unforgettable words which come from a person of vast

experience of religious life and of General Chapters: << Renewal cannot

be accomplished without charity. Renewal in fact signifies greater

love and then better structures so as to give impulse to this greater

love >>. How gready misguided are tlose who think that love for reform

justifies the violation of charity.

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We believe in c-harity and wish to adhere to it in its fullesr sense

even though we hail from every corner of the world and belong to

so many difierent cultures, civilizations and customs. Our age-range

is rather wide, our ideas and points of view will not always coincide,

but all this can be overcome by our spirit of brotherliness. Not for

nothing do we say and feel that we are sons of the same Father.

Unity thnough combined strength

The most precious and coveted fruit of our cenacle of charity

will be the fulfilment of Christ's prayerful testament: Ut unum sint,

words that have re-echoed from our Father's lips since the very origin

of the Congregation. Hardly had Don Bosco received from Rome in

1869 the longed for approbation of the Congregation than he called our

first confreres together and held a long conference on the theme Viuere

in' anum, enlarging on tlre many motives and aspects of living as

one (M.B.,IX, p.571 seq.). Here and now I feel I must repeat the

grave words of our Father: Let us live and work with a will towards

- unity let us create a true communion of hearts.

I realise that we each carry in our hearts the disturbances, tersions,

entfeaties, the imFatience and the numerous aspects of crisis that arc

upsetting the Chuch and hu-an sociery and our own Congregation.

As I said before, we bring with us here a combination of causes,

mentalities, sensibilities and worries that are often quite diverse. But

our very diversity will prove a providential asset if we act on the higher

level of truly genuine communion.

Nevertheless no one should think of, still less desire, a preconceived,

we might almost say a pref.abricated unity, an arttficial slanimi6y worth

nothing. Let us rather consider and aim at a unity that is secure because

it is sincerely desired, sought after and

I and say this deliberately. On opening

even gained by sufiering

the great Catholic Synod

-of

Federal Germany Cardinal Doepfner appealed for unity, quoting the

words of St. Paul to the Ephesians: << Be zealous in preserving the

unity given by the Spirit >. But he also pointed out that just before

that the Aposde had invited those Christians to bear with one another

in fraternal love, to accept one another. << Those wofds >>, said the

Cardinal, << presuppose conflicts, divergence of ideas, controversies,

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points of friction >>. As we know, all that. is in the ordinary run of

things, which would not be normal otherwise.

But if we are animated by true and positive fraternal love, and

especially by a pure and sincere love for Don Bosco and the Con-

gregation, the mutual toil and sufiering in searcir of truth will make us

accept one another and find a point of contact and identification even

in sudr great problems; together then we shall seek fot the best

solution, which will be the happy outcome of the integration of the

diverse and invaluable energies present at this Chapter.

Courage and confidence

I Dear Chapter members, trust you will forgive this long discourse.

I hope that its length has not been detrimental to the utility of the

things I have said with brotherly heart for the sole purpose of doing

my own dutiful service to ouf common Mother, the Congregation.

And now,

free from all

ttroiumwpohraklis-m

with courage and confdence! In a spirit

or over-simpliEcation let us confront the

problems that awut us. Let trhere be no fear in facing up to those

problems, mountainous though they may seem, nor let there be any

discouragement or pessimistic defeatism. Our Chapter should proceed

along the lines of realism and courage. But what kind of courage?

Let it be the feadessness which is a virtue, the virnre of the strong

and wise, that true fortitude which cannot be separated from wisdom.

The result therefore of fortitude and wisdom happily united, this

courage cannot be confused with the blustering rashness that rushes

into the unknown. Ours then must be above all the courage of strong

men who think before venturing. But there is more to it that that.

!7e feel that Our Lord's words to the aposdes apply also to us: << Fear

not, it is I! > And let us remember, as Fr. de Foucauld v/rote, that

<< Jesus is master of the impossible >>, with command over people and

things, one who gives to those who abandon t}emselves to Him a

sense of security and peace amidst the waves. << Let nothing disturb

you! >>.

Reason for trust

Rightly too have I recommended confidence. We have many and

strong forces in the Congregation, in all categories, at all levels, of

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all ages, in every comer of the earth. You become aware of this when

you get to know the Congregation, the whole Congregation in all its

component parts.

I would like especially to point out tlat in the Congregation we

have a section of youth with ideas, attifudes, needs and sensibilities

which are often very difierent from those of the preceding generations.

Sometimes youth is the victim of insecurity, of an exasperated and

problematic situation, of a secularism which obscures or wipes out

the supernatural. Nevertheless among these young people there are

also some elements which are splendid in every way: they live their

consecration with generosity, they sincerely love Don Bosco and the

Congregation even though they see the defects and ineficiencies; they

are teady to give themselves to the point of sacrificel they have a solid

and convinced piery; t}ey are our hopes for the Congregation of

tomoffow. Let me continue.

The Church has confidence in our Congregation, a trust that

emanates ftom one who knows us on what we might call a universal

plane, a confidence that sometimes makes me almost af.rud. In the

Iast audience granted me, once again Paul VI used expressions that

embarrassed me when I thought of our many deficiencies, but he

wantd to confirm his own great confidence and that of the Church in

our Congtegation.

!(hen I speak to the Generals of other orders aird congregations

I am able to re-assess that judgment in the light of rcality, including

all those deficiencies that we must not ignore or underestimate. Among

other things I can see that we arc all. struggling with very similar

rlifficulties. But we Salesians still have reasons for confidence that are

both familiar and altogether special. Perhaps the fact is unique that

in the origins of our Congregation there is an unquestionably excep-

tional supernatural presence. Speaking of the Congregation, its birth

and development, Don Bosco said verbatim: << One can say that there

has been nothing that was not known beforehand. I took no step in

the Congregation until some supernatural fact counselled it; no change

or improvement or obstacle occurred which was not preceded by an

order from Our Lord. From this fact I think it well not to consider

the man... lVhat does it matter to me if people speak well or badly

about this? Iflhat do I care when men iudge me in one way or another?

3 Pages 21-30

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All that is necessary is that the works of the Lord be made manifest! >>

(M.8. XII, p. 69).

The following impressive statement by Don Bosco will therefore

cause no surprise: << Among all the religious congregations and orders

perhaps ours has more of the word of God ,, (M.8. XVI, p. 305).

That being so, how can we possibly suspect that God will forsake

the Congregation at the very moment it is being called to renewal by

the Church and therefore by Don Bosco, that He will leave it without

that presence of inspiration and guidance which He gave it so generously

at its origin? !7e have every right to count upon God's help: Adiuto-

riurz nostrum in nomine Domini!

Mary out guide

\\7e must seek to deserve that help but we shall secure it more

easily through the Virgin Help of Christians. In the life and mission

of Don Bosco, even if for difierent reasons, two figures are inseparable:

youth and Mary. On the morning of the feast of the Immaculate

Conception in 1887 Don Bosco seemed to be looking back upon rhe

dificult parhway of his life. Then he said to his deeply moved Salesians:

<< !7e have walked securely: we cannot go wrong. It is Mary who

guides us! > (.&I.8. XVII, p. 439). Don Bosco repeated this truth

frequently, for it was confumed over and over again: << Mary was

always my guide! >.

It that was so for our Father, surely Mary will be a guide to us

also who, in unconditional fidelity to Don Bosco, wish to work during

these months so that the Congregation may emerge from this Chapter

qualis esse debet.

\\7ith unlimited trust in our Father and in Mary, with all the

fervour of the apostles in the Upp." Room, Iet us gather about her

as we rqpeat with filial and humble hearts: O << Mary, you were our

Father's secure guide at the birth and development of our Family.

Be so to us also who are awarc of our weakness and insecurity as we

tread the path uaced out by Providence to bring our beloved Con-

gregation to that true and faithful renewal which will be for it the

revival of spring! >.

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PRESENTATION OF THE < REPORT ON TFIE GENERAL STATE

OF THE CONGREGATION >

Dear Chapter Members,

I am here to fulfil the mandate of the XIX General Chapter which,

in artide 3L of its regulations, stated: << At one of the first meetings

of the Chapter the Rector Major will give a genetal report on the

state of the Congregation r>.

As this is something new, I have tried to find the best uray to

reply to and interpret the wish of the XIX General Chapter. I say

<< interpret >> because obviously a report on << the state of the Con-

gregation > could take on various forms unless otherwise clearly indi-

cated. Because of this difi."lty and in my anxiery to make it beneficial

I to all have made use of the collaboration of the Superior Council.

Collaboration of the Superior Council

It is here opportune to state that we have always worked colle-

- I gially and with obvious results and benefits and this applies not only

to the present report but to all other problems of note. am in fact

more than ever convinced that today especially it is possible to con{ront

problems usefully and resolve them adequately simply by getting to-

gether in a free, serene and respectfrrl confrontation of the difierent

I angles, points of view, and assessments. have always noticed that

such exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of total freedom and yet

mutual respect and esteem always leads to the best solution possible

at which the Superior could arrive.

And it is precisely this method, clearly indicated and encouraged

by Vatican II and by our XIX General Chapter, that I have sought

to follow with the cordial, fuaternal and construstive collaboration of

all the members of the Council. And here I believe it to be my special

and pleasant duty before this solemn assembly to acknowledge this

fruitful work accomplished about me by the members of the Superior

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Council. I think f can say that we have always worked in unity of aim

in order to serve the Congregation in its true interests and in particular

to carry out the inspiting deliberations of General Chapter XIX and

to infuse and circulate its spirit of renewal in the Congregation.

As you will notice from the reading of this reporr, this task, begun

and carried on immediately after the Chapter, met urith difficulties of

various kind5. Qns of the problems .was this: whilst a start was being

made to actuate the deliberations of General Chapter XIX there was

already abtoad what someone has called the postconciliar wind. In fact

the Congregation found itself as it were in the eye of the cyclone right

at the very moment in which it had put in motion the apparatus des-

tined to render operative General Chapter XIX which was already in

a position to benefit by many points of Council documents.

This coincidence, it is well to recall, has had quite considerable

repetcussions and consequences, aggravated by the fact thx simulta-

neously we had to mobilize and convoy our forces for almost three

years in preparing for the Special General Chapter willed by Ecclesiae

Sanctae. Certainly it has been a great benefit besides a duty to the

Church and the Congregation, but one cannot deny that through force

of those circumstances quite a few deliberations and directives of the

XIX General Chapter could not be carried out.

Characteristicr of the report

Returning to the report presented, as I have said it is the fruit

of the combined work of all the members of the Council. They first

gave suggestions and ideas for its presentation and then, each according

to his own competence, all the fust-hand in{ormation at their disposal

on the various points dealt with. The report was then collegially re-

examined and discussed, re-drafted and fioily coordinated by the

Rector Major according to the remarks and observations received.

In spite of this work the report has no pretence to be perfect and

exhaustive. Apart. from the rtifficulty and uncertainty deriving from

the fact that this is the 6rst 'ime such a document is being presented,

it has to be stated that big dificulties of various kinds arose. Let us

mention just one.

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The Congregation is a living and composite reality, with situation

dlfierences which are often considetable. From this fact arises the pro-

blem of presenting a report which, without wasting time in a detailed

analysis, will give a faithful image of the actual state of the Congteg-

ation. However, I feel that in spite of its deficiencies and limitations,

not only is this report at act of obedience to General Chapter XIX

but it can also ofier us a kind of thumbnail sketch of the Society. The

Special Provincial Chapters had at hand a similar compendium of the

mind of the Congregation.

In spite of its limitations this report can be called a radiograph of

what the Congregation is actually doing and how it is acting in the

various sectors of its life. I have used the word <( radiograph > but

perhaps it is inexact, for it does not present even a panoramic photo-

graph of the Congregation. A photograph is essenzially static, capturing

just one moment of reality. This report which I ofier to your attention

is instead something forceful. It does not try so much to pin down the

acttal state of the Society today as rather to show in forceful perspective

how it has arrived at irc acuai state during the evolution of th"ie p"rt

six years.

Besides being expressive the report is a summary, at least relatively.

As you wiII notice, however, precisely because it is a summary its one

hundred condensed pages are combined with statistics ptesented in a

special leaflet. These, correcdy read and interpreted, serve to give an

up-to-date and documented panoramic view of the Congregation in all

the essential aspects of its life. Particular aspects and details of the

Iife of the Society are illusmated and, when occasion ofiers, will be

developed gradually as the Chapter comes to deal with each specffic

subject.

To conclude this preface which I have considered necessary, I

think and hope that the teport which the Rector Major presents to you

in the name of the Superiot Council will, among other things, facilitate

your work in so far as it ofiers you not merely a sectional view of the

life of the Congregation but one which is general or at least very wide,

even if not quite complete, and at the same time one that is up-to.date

within the bounds of possibility. From it you can rcalize the type of soil

that is going to receive the seed, the very real situations that prevail,

and the expectations of those to whom you will have to present the

deliberations of this Chapter.

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C,enffe of the Congegation's interest

The report has a certain sequence and consequently follows a line

corresponding to the rich directives emanating from General Chapfer

xlx.

One of the most significant, most productive and most binding

norms given us by that Chapter was that the Salesian is at the very

cenme of the Congregation's interest. In placing the Salesian at the

centre it obviously intended to make him more Salesian, a better

Salesian; it aimed at raising him in his entire being as abaptized person,

as someone consecrated, as an aposde, as one specifically dedicated to

continue the mission of Don Bosco in his spirit and with his style of

doing things.

Actually the Congregation is not its works but its Salesians; the

Society is active and fruitful only in so far as each Salesian responds

to the ideal which the Church and the Congregation places before him.

Although such a view, reslrcnding as it does to heartfelt and very

valid aspirations in the Congregation, has found some response and

development, it cannot be denied that it has fallen short of otu expec-

tations. This is not the rime to make a profound and detailed diagnosis

of the truly complicated causes which are also connected with situa-

tions extraneous to the Society and which have limited the energetic

aco;r.htzatton of this vital ditective of the Salesian as the cenue of the

Congregation's interest. lVhat one can say however, with humble and

serene sincerity, is that some progress has been made in this direction.

The report, even though it may not clearly seem so, does actually

accompany and present the aspects and events in the life of the Salesian,

ahfe of. consecration, of prayer, of ftatemal and practical living together,

of apostolate.

Stages of formation

The Salesian at profession is not automaticalTy the finished product.

Hence we have successive periods of formation with a1l that that implies.

But if it is true that there is a time-period dedicated specifically to

formation, it is no less true that even after such a time there remains

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in all the need and hence the obligation of what is today called

<< ceaseless formation >>. The experience gained at the socalled Second

Novitiate course for thirty priests at Catacas proved completely the

vital importance of this << ceaseless formation >>.

The report touches on all the stages of formation'which concern

the life and future of the Congregation in the light of the experiences

of these difficult times, which for a variety of well-knov/n reasons

have placed before the Congregation and particularly before those

responsible for formation at all its stages, new, complex and urgent

problems without end. The present phenomenon, with diverse and

even notable gradations throughout the world, has acute and sometimes

grave stresses in certain regions. The report seeks as realistically as

I possible to give a picture of the situation. But as have already said,

one must keep in mind the often notable diversity of situational

circumstances to be met vrith in the Congregation.

In my opinion, in deating with the theme of formation in the

light of our own experience and that of others, especially in recent

years, we must completely review the whole cyde of Salesian formation

right from the very first sign of a vocation until the attainment of its

essential aims, together with its continuous nourishment and renewal.

The errors of the past, even the recent past, should help us correct

these mistakes with the necessary courage and a halthy realism in

order to forge new paths that will help the Salesian of our rimes ro

live his vocation authentically, with strong conviction, in detail and

fruitfully.

Still dealing with formation, in the report you will find a section

treating of the problems of the P.A.S. Reading those pages you will

rcahze at once that the subject is of special importance. Representing

as it does the whole Congregation, the Chapter must not only get

a responsible view of the situation but it must study at least in broad

outline the solution of the problems posed. I feel that in the light

of experience this major assembly of the Congregation will have to

indicate responsibly what the Society expects and demands from the

P.A.S., what directives it intends to give so that the very grave szrcrifices

being made by the Congregation for the support of the life of the

P.A.S. may pnoduce adequate results that are not only intellectually

and culturally sound but at the same time apostolically Salesian.

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_27 _

Crisis of vocations

The sad subject of the vocations crisis will be found meated with

abundant data rn the report. It deals not only with the diminution of

the flow of new vocations but also with the sad phenomenon of those

who leave the Congregation at various stages.

it It is always painful to see confreres leaving us, but more so when

concerns those who are mature in age, perpetually professed or

ptiests. I7e deal here with a phenomenon a#licting both male and

female religious orders and congregations and the whole Church.

Perhaps not all are awate that, according to the figures we have

it received, our Congregation, although has sufiered acute losses in

the Iast three years, has nevertheless one of the Iowest percentages

of loss on the statistical scale of the Iarge male congregations.

A point that has notable influsngs in determining our situation

is the f.act that the all-inclusive number of newly-professed, whilst

considerably reduced in comparison with what may be called the

boom years for vocations, has nevertheless remained at a steady level

which gives a discreet proportion of compensation for the losses due

to departures from the Society.

Obviously however, this fact should not make us close our eyes

to the grave reality confronting the provinces and the Congregation.

On no account must we obscure or understimate the phenomenon of

the truly serious 2nd 5spstimes almost chrpnic haemorrhage sufiered

by various provinces, simultaneously with the ageing of personnel

and the inability to cope any longer with tasls previously caried out.

The problem imposed by the vocations crisis is neither simFle nor

easy and it is definitely linlced up with many other problems, some

of which at a superficial glance may seem foreign to it.

As you will see in the report, steps have abeady been taken to

cIocnafrnonsat yththisatprwoeblehmavearsvtiallrioaulsonlegvealnsdads iifticeuxlitstwsatyodtaoy,gob.u!t7Ie

think

have

to equip ourselves with a great deal of humility to examine realistically

and see clearly, as fat as depends upon us, the past and present causes

of this haemorrhage so as to tackle the whole problem in all its com-

ponent parts decisively, correcdy and at the proper r:me. \\7e can

say that this Special General Chapter has the life and future of the

Congregation in its hands and therefore it must get to the bottom of

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the problem and crisis of vocations and all the facts connected with it.

The contribution of so many qualified men from such diverse

regions, rich in the most varied experiences and especially animated

by fum and sincere love of Don Bosco who lives and is perpetuated in

the Church through the Congregation, will be invaluable in re-invigorat-

ing in the Society that twofold fruitful, spiritual and apostolic vitality

which, whilst mitigating on the one hand the sad losses that occur,

will on the other atffact and make itself esteemed among the youth

of our times.

Salesians coadiutors

Speaking of << the Salesian >>, of vocations, of crises, the repott rightly

pauses to illustrate t}e situation concerning our very dear confreres, the

Salesian coadiutors, as seen under various aspects and at various levels.

Iret me state at once that in the Congregation we have in every continent

many wonderful coadjutors, including not only those mature in age

but also very young ones who are exemplary in every way: generous

and very often truly self-sacrificing workers, many gready gifted ttrrough

a cultural and technical formation whidr has enabled them to undertake

various difficult offices splendidly. Their presence in the structures of

I government and education has been a decidedly positive one. feel

it my duty to witness to their rcligious and Salesian life, lived as it

is s_o coherently, conscientiously, and so often in sufiering. I say

<< sufiering >> because of the fact that they do not always receive t}e

direct or indirect help they have the right to expect.

Having said that, I must state that in addition to losses it is a

- gtave f.act that the number of coadutor vocations is small 1q such

an extent that very many provinces have no coadjutor vocations in

the novitiate or beyond. This void should not leave us indi#erent.

Itr7hilst admitting the varied causes of the situation I feel that a lot

depends on ourselves. In the light of the whole realistic situation the

Chapter will certainly not fail to pinpoint these causes so as to find

the most suitable ways and means to eliminate them or at least diminish

them. With the highly distinguishable characteristics that neatly dif-

fercniate him from the Iay members of so many other congregations

- a point not always ot everywhere ,appreciated - the Salesian

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I coadjutor constitutes something very special. As have said on otler

occasions, the Congegation would not be what Don Bosco conceived

and wished it to be if through some absurd hypothesis it were to be

deprived of the absolutely essential element o{ the Salesian Coadjutor.

This subject therefore must certainly be deeply studied here, look-

ing to Don Bosco and the constant line of development through his

successors, at the same time taking into acrount the renewed assessment

given by Vatican Council II to the layman in the Church and in religious

Iife, and the various consequences of this.

Salesians and poor youth

To live his special vocation, whether as a person or as a living

element of the community at Tocal or provincial level or at that of.

the whole Congregation, the Salesian must carry out the mission

confided to the Society by Prwidence. The ideas << Salesian )> and

<< mission >> are necessarily concomitant. Hence tle second part of the

report is'on Salesian activity. You will find it illusrated with the

criteria already stated, namely the sectors within which our apostolate

in the world is framed and developed.

It is unnecessary to recall that this apostolate, whilst it has a very

special bias towards youth, and in particular the poor and needy, is

still valid even though developed ( right from its ) beginnings in a

variety of ways.

ITith regard to apostolate among poor youth, works of social

assistance and promotion, we have asked all the provinces for one final

efiort in this laborious preparation fot the Genetal Chapter, namely

- to provide as complete and up-to.date a report as possible not just

a dry, disjointed list but rather an account which objectively ptesents

and describes the aspects and implications of all the activities under-

taken by communities, groups or individual con{reres in vadous forms

of service to the poor and especially the young.

I would here Iike to thank the con{reres in the various provinces

who undertook the systematic collecting of all this informative material.

I But I feel that at this moment am interpreting the unanimous senti-

ment of the assembly in expressing the Congregation's gratitude to the

thousands of confreres who in every place and in the most diverse

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and dadng forms, with a, sense of total dedication deeply combined

with humility and simplicity that does not seek for thanks or publicity,

look always to Christ and to Don Bosco and arc the good samaritans

of so many poor and needy brethren.

Not long age, speaking to me of our confreres (poor among the

poot) who work in the immense and miserable slums of Tondo (Ma-

nila) which he had visited, Paul VI repeated in accents of deep and

sincete emotion: << They are heroes! They are heroes! >. Many other

confreres deserve this elogium with those of Tondo. In fact, thanks

be to God, the confreres of Tondo are not the only ones in the Con-

gtegation who work thus with sacrifice and that joy that derives from

faith. !7e hope that the Chapter will give strong impetus to increase

their number and also that supernatural charity which is the uniquely

efficacious spur capable of carrying on such generous Salesian activities.

Returning to the documentation of :he activities on behalf of the

poor, I think that the Chaptet members will find in it suficient material

to gauge the true position of the Co4grggation in this field so congenial

to the Society and to which such a great section of young people in

the Church and in our own environment are righdy very sensitive. This

documentation will be put at the drsposition of the Chapter members

in its original form as it came from the various provinces. In these

accounts you will find not only many praiseworthy things but also

notable lacunae that betray a weakened and perhaps in certain cases a

deadened sensibility. Obviously it will be the Chapter's task to find

new forms in order to give where necessary a renewed and courageous

impulse to the work of service on behalf of poor youth in the footsteps

and spirit of our Father.

Youth centres

A proqios, of this irreplaceable apostolate of ours which is mainly

and generally directed towards yoqth, I think it opportune to emphasize

fwo facts which seem to me to be very indicative and dosely connected.

In 1,967 the Rector Major launched the idea of having a youth

centre in each province, even if necessary by transforming some existing

work. The idea was that each province sh<iuld have at least one work

which was substantially faithful to the idea of Don Bosco's Oratory,

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adapting it courageously to our times and putting it at thg service of

today's young. people, together with activities corresponding to the

real and various needs of the times. This invitation clearly implied

above all an eIlort and commitment to seek ner*, ideas that correspond

to the needs of today.

In all truth and sincerity I must admit that the appeal v/as not very

success{ul. l7hilst grving due acknowledgement to what was done

I must state that it was not much, apart from the fact that in certain

cases some ventures wefe youth centres only in name. I mention this

not so much because not many new youth centres were opened as

for the fact that all this is indicative of much deeper and preoccupying

situations and motivations to which I call your attention in the report

to the Chapter.

Re-di mensionig results

In compliance with the decision of General Chaptet XIX, after

long and deep preparatory study, the Rector Major with his Council

invited all the members of the Congregation, through the various

organs of government, to collaborate in the rcahzation of that vast,

complex and vital operation which went under the name of the re-

dimensioning of our works. Even if imperfect it was nevertheless a

first tentative step to interest all the members of the Congregation in

its problems.

'S7hat were the results of this operation? !7e must admit sincerely

that they were not really brilliant. Moreover, a serene and careful

study shows that the many causes for the lack of success can be reduced

to a fact which we must admit with all humility, namely that in the

various parts of the Congregation the psyc.hological and technical

preparation for a clear and courageous confrontation of the mass of

problems imFosed by re-dimensioning was lacking. People were simply

not able to gauge accurately tle many values and spiritual, apostolic

and formative interests which it not only wished to defend but to

strengthen, keeping in mind the actual sifuations in which the Con-

gregation lives and the'prospects which it will inevitably encounter in

the near future. In fact it was not a question of just closing houses

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but of studying everything so as to find an operative plan that was

realistic, farsighted and long-ranged, and in all this the reduction of

works was only a part or ruther a point of departure. But as I have

said, people were not yet suficiendy prepared and mature enough for

an enterprise of such proportions.

Nevertheless I must say that these recent years have seen a positive

evolution in this matter. Evident proof"of this can be found in the

f.act that in not a few provinces the work of re-dimensioning was later

taken up again, often at Provincial Chapters and with criteria decisively

difierent from the rather negative ones previously used. This is an

evident sign that, even though slowly, correct ideas do go ahead

progtessively and find acceptance in minds open to truth and to the

common good.

At any rate the re-dimensioning did one good thing in almqsl totally

- blocking the opening of new houses

to this idea!

but what resistance was made

The lack of immediate success in re-rlimensioning due to the reasons

stated is, I feel, a realistic warning: when drawing up plans of work

one must always keep in mind the foundation on which tlrey must

rest and above all the men who must understand and who can tealize

those plans.

Leaderc

Closely connected with re-dimensioning is the problem of leadership

at all levels o( the Congregation. It is well to admit at once that this

problem is also felt outside the Congregation, in the Church and in

civil society and in exremely important sectors such as politics, industry,

economy, syndicates, etc; There is no point here in giving all the

complex causes for this.

Examining our own environment we are all duly awarc of tle

difi.olty in finding leaders who respond to the needs of today in our

communities and works. These dificulties are aggravated fust of all

by the great number of key-posts to be frIled, for it is not only

provincials and rectors who have directive tasks. Think for example

of provincial and local Vicars, parish priests (about 700 parishes!),

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headmasters, Provincial Economers, Masters of Novices, directors

of oratories, etc.

A good approximate computation comes to this condusion: for

every two to three Salesians one should be a leader. This we a.lmit

can explain so many situations, so many deficiencies in the most

varied sectors of our life, religious and pastorul, otgauzational and

administrative. It is true that we have begun to give a kind of specific

preparation to new provincials; here and thete for some years now

courses have been orgarized fot new rectors and othets responsible

for particular departments. This is very good but it does not resolve

the problem, which is so very vast and has deterrent repercussions in

the Iife of the Congregation.

The lack of capable leaders, grave as it is in itself, gives rise to

other notable situations, e.g. the disproportion between personnel

and tasks. As has often been clearly stated, there has been an excessive

quantitative development through multiplication of works, sometimes

simultaneous with an evident diminution of vocations and with other

difficulties we can easily imagine.

On account of the haemorrhage aflicting the Congregation in these

'imes I feel there is need of extreme courage in testricting our frontiers

and in studying our choices well. Only in one way can the Con

gregation give attention to its vital need for growth in quality and depth,

namely by the careful qualification of the confreres which is today

more necessary thar. ever and above all in the spiritual, theological

and pastoral fields as well as in the cultural, professional and technical

spheres. I *rink, for example, of the need we have of confreres prepared

in spiritual theology, caiechesis, Iiturgy; I ponder on how we cail

prepate people for the various sectors of social communications and

in the first place the press. It is true that here and there this grave

necessity is recognized and efiort is being made, but not enough. In

my opinion the Congregation needs action that responds to definite

plans with realistic criteria.

I trust that the Chapter members will once more take up these

preoccupations already brought to light in our XIX General Chapter

and will give the Congregation clear and precise directives for the

solution of these two vital needs: the qualification of Salesians especially

for the houses of formation, and at the same time the adequate

preparation of leading personnel for the needs of today.

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The Missions

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A word on t}re Missions.

Each yeat a good number of priests have responded to the Rector

Major's appeal forLatrn America. In order not to upset the balance of

strength in the provinces of origin many requests had to be turned

down, but those we vrere able to send brought valuable aid to nu.nerous

missions which were in serious and urgent need. Huge problems still

remain.

Whflst Asia in general, and especially India, is moving towards a

certain self-suficienry regarding indigenous vocations, Africa is find-

ing it dificult and I think that the Chapter, in treating of the Missions,

should give its attention to this enormous continent which oflers us

a field that is not only vast but also open to evangelization..

The problem of Latin America is a grave one on account of the

responsibility deriving from historical grounds and because of our

own considerable numbers there. In the audience I had with him

Paul VI said: << Help Us to save Latin America! >. \\7e can sense all

the grief contained in that paternal invitation and commitment which

touches our hearts. Don Bosco would certainly not have remained

insensible to it. Yet we cannot hide the langible and constant weakening

of our forces in Latin America even in spite of the aid from Europe.

The Chapter must concern itself with this great and .lificult problem

but I think that its very dificulty itself impels us to find adequate

solutions elsewhere. One solution, it seems to me, is that we must

seek to prepare layfolk, especially from our own works, so urs to

obtain understanding and proved collaborators in all the various sectors

of our apostolate. Unfornrnately, hitherto little has been done by us

to enlist the precious contribution of our laity.

Recendy something definite was begun here in Rome for the serious

preparation of layfolk to collaborate with us in the countries that need

help, but I trust that alter the General Chapter not only in Europe

but in Latin America itself and the other continents serious attention

will be given to promote similar entetprises, gtilizilg experience aheady

gained. This will benefit those who receive the help of these layfolk and

no less the laity themselves who will feel gready enriched in a spiritual,

apostolic and Salesian way.

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Fratemd solidarity

-35

I cannot omit at least mention of Fraternal Solidarity. As has been

repeated in word and writing, this enterprise has as its scope to break

down certain psychological barriers and to develop a communal mis-

sionary sensibility which expresses itself in positive deeds. In its wide

sense it also rings true to Perlectae Caritatis and the idea of Vatican II.

The economic aid thus donated to many of our wotks which were in

grave dificulties has certainly given tangible evidence of this initiative.

And so I wish to thank the provinces, communities and con{reres

who, understanding the meaning and scope of the enterprise, came

forward, even at the cost of sacrifice, to meet the needs of deserving

confreres and works.

But solidarity cannot stop at financial aid, even though that is

appreciated. People are coming to understand that it must extend also

to fields and sectors much more demanding but also more enriching

for those who give and those who receive. It will be the mark and

result of that dearity which is at the basis of the whole of renewal in

the Church and in the Congregation.

Following the directives of. Perfectae Caritatis, by means of the

fruits of our solidarity compaign we have also given fraternal help

outside the Congregation to dioceses in Vietnam, to bishops and religious

in Pakistan and fndia, and to various social works in Brazil.

Social apostolate

From a reading of the report on the social apostolate it will be

seen that whilst much has been done in our activities on behalf of the

Cooperators a great deal still remains. This will be efiected through

the Vatican Council directives for the apostolate of the laity as well

as tfuough the very precious potential of multiple conscientious and

qualified collaborators which we can find in our layfolk, of whom

we have ever greater and more serious need. This, in my opinion, is

a most vital and interesting point which is also connected with the

thought of Don Bosco. The Chapter must study it deeply so as to come

to dear conclusions.

As regards the Past Pupils, progress has been made in various parts

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of the Congregation to organtze and assist them but our sensibfiry

on this subject must be developed at all levels of responsibility., The

care of our Past Pupils is not a superfluous activity depending on the

viewpoint of this or that individual; it is the narural and necessary

completion of the years and years of education, work and sacrifice of

so many Salesians. Hence this is a responsibility which the community

if as such must assume, even individual persons are commissionned

for it. Neglect of this activity creates a void and a mutilation of our

entire educative work.

Regarding the instruments of social communication also you will

notice that efiorts have been made to go ahead according to the norms

II and directives of Vatican and the hierarchy. It should be noted'that

this sector of the apostolate forms part of the speci.fic scope of our

mission in the Church. A very serious and as yet uffesolved problem

is the preparation of personnel suitable for this form of apostolate

today, for they are more than ever needed under every aspect. But

even here this goes back to the re-dimensioning of our works, to their

grading and to the qualifying of the confreres.

Govemment and structures

\\7e come now to the government and structures of the Con-

gregation, as they are called today.

Even if not in great detail, you will find in the report an adequate

account of the considerable work accomplished in these years at all

levels, and especially regarding the evolutionary maturing and translat-

ing into new styles and standards of government. This transformation

will appear all the more notable when compared with the customs

and mentality itself that existed only a few years ago but which gave

way before the deliberations of General Chapter XIX which were

authoritatively confirmed at Yatican Council II.

The ideas which formed the basis of all this work emanating from

the centre and spreading out beneficially in the Congregation were

these: co-tesponsibility, mutual interest, participation, information,

dialogue.

fn harmony with these ideas were the very many meetings of

the Rector Major with provincials, provincial counsellors, rectors and

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confreres responsible for particular sectors (e.g. houses of formation)

in the various continents; also the numerous meetings of the other

Superiors of the Council at Provincial Conferences and with other

It groups and categories of confreres. has been remarked that never

before has there been such frequent and intense contact between the

C-entre and periphery as in these years. That remark is true and I

should add that these encounters, held in an atmosphere of brotherly

understanding and for the sake of mutual discussion of problems la

loco, ate, when well prepared and planned, a yery eficacious instru-

ment for a government which desires to obtain not so much the carry-

ing out of decisions, whether imposed from above or from alar, as the

search for the best solutions in the light of reality in the actual places

and times and using the results of common and varied experience.

A very positive aspect of this collaboration and co-responsibility

has been the consultation of the confreres in regard to the selection of

men for special responsibilities. In the great majority of cases one

noticed prudence and maturity in judgment and consequendy well-

pondeted and wise suggestions. Like so many others, this experience

has proved a very positive one and it will be defined and perfected

by the General Chapter. I think we can say without hesitation that

we are on the right road.

Economy

The last part of the report concerns economy.

In this delicate sector the Economer General has been in continual

contact with the Rector Major and his Council and he has followed

the directives of the Constitutions, namely to give guidance and service

to the provinces, to administer goods not belonging to any specific

province, and to take care of concerns proper to the general direction.

The report gives you an ample account of what has been done to

provide both provincial and local administration with an orgarization

corresponding to the importance and delicacy and in many cases to

the complexity of administration.

Meetings at all levels, courses, and uninterrupted consultation with

continual contact between cenre and periphery have been excellent

aids in improving many situations in the administrative-economic-

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financioJ area which needs adequately prepared personnel. Deficiencies

of various kinds still remain, due to difierent I causes. think the

Chapter will have to insist on-improvement in this area which gives

r,rci, nece.sary service and is so usefi-rl to the community and to its

apostolic work.

In the second place, as mendoned, the Economer General's ofice

has given service in the general administration, a work dssgrving our

grateful appreciation.

The report will certainly serve to discountenance those fantastic

stories published here and there to the detriment of the C,ongregation,

for it gives the achral facts which are in great contrast tb them.

The first striking point in the report is this: the Genetal Drection

has no fixed source of income either in the Congregation or in property

in order to meet the urgent expenses regarding its activities. As can

be seen in the statement of assets and liabilities the General Direction,

with all its worldwide burdens and commitments, lives on whatever

Providence sends through benefactors, who are very often people of

modest means, almost exclusively in ltaly; the contribution of any

house, whilst appreciated, is a mere drop in the ocean of its needs.

The etrarity of benefactots

In practice therefore the Generat Direction depends on charity

and one might ask what would be the consequences of a cessation or

even a slackening off of this sourc€ of help. Don Bosco, who always

went ahead between debts and benefactors, will not allow his sons to

lose their good name and the good cause which drew down God's

blessings on him even in material aid. In any case I think the question

needs to be asked also in view of the ttansfer of the General Ditection

to Rome and in the eventuality that the Chapter may wish to seek

other arrangements in regard to the maintenance of so many of our

works in the world which at present depend upon the Cenue for

support.

!flhilst it is clear that we should be able to live by our work, it

should also be clear that'fot diverse reasons our work is often not able

to maintain all of our institutes (".g. I think of the enormous dif-

ficulties encounteted by some provinces in providing for the expenses

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of personnel in formation), still less open new ones. This refers

espe<ially to certain types of work, e.g. technical schools, draritable

institutes, retreat houses, the Athenaeum, or the Generalate. fn these

and other similar cases the Congregation has need of benefactors,

persons or social entities whicJr in one way or another can assist us

financially.

I Just nour have in mind as an example the enormous amount of

good efiected by our missionary houses whicl for decades have sent

- hun&eds upon hundreds of confreres all over the Salesian world

the number has been es.imated at about two thousand and fifry. Some

houses of this kind, e.g. Rebaudengo, Bernardi-Semeria, etc., bear the

names of those great benefactors who enabled us to build and equip

them. There are many of them, not only in Italy but in almorst all

countries where our works exist and live tluough the generosity of such

benefactors. Even recendy we have been able to open certain works

only because of help given by new benefactors.

Horrever, such help, wherever ofiered, has neves ,in any way

conditioned our apostolate, methods and liberry of action. We have

never become involved or entangled in operations or situations incon-

sistent with our condition as religious and Salesians. No matter what

ptessure comes ftom certain particular situations, we certainly cannot

divert to other purposes those properties and donations accepted solely

for ends consistent with our mission.

I I understand modern sensitiveness to this point and am convinced

that f.ar from ignoring it we should keep it well in mind and draw the

necessary consequences. The Chaptet will certainly deal with this

argument, which has echoes and repercussions of great import in so

many sections of our mission. But I think it would be unjust and

unreasonable above all to pass judgment according to the standards

and sensibilities,of today on things that have happened in the past.

Precisely in tegard to present day situations, sensibilities and

requests, we should proceed salmly and prudently, with a discerning

mind which knows how to distinguish things of value and moment

from what are not. I feel that Don Bosco would certainly act thus at

this junctue in reading correcdy the signs of the times.

But I must conclude. Obviously economy has its due place and

role as a functional instrument in the life of the Congregation but it

is certainly not its centfal problem.

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Cenral ptoblem: tle Salesian

I think you will all agree with me that the central problem of the

Congregation on which the Chapter must concentrate its interest and

from which all its other problems derive is the Salesian himself, his

identity, his mission, his formation, his style of life and all the values

that converge there. The Salesian is the living structure and true cause

othfethCeonCgorneggraetgioanti.oFn o-r

he is the heart, the life, the raisoru d'6tre of.

this teason let me express once more a fitm

convinction based on the Council and the whole postconciliar magis-

terium and on my own experience gained in meetings with Superiors

Geheral. It is one which has been suggested to me also by the numerous

and exttemely varied contacts I have been able to have in the difierent

continents with hundreds upon hundreds of confreres. My conviction

is this: the enormous amount of work done by tl-re Congregation to

prepafe this Chapter will have been in vain, as also the no less necessary

and heavy work to which we are now

paouseirttiavet l-y

flrere does not come

and vitally renewed.

forth

- committed,, if. quod Deus

from this Chapter a Salesian

However, with fi:ll confidence we can say that such an hypothesis

lacks all foundation. The report which I have presented and commented

upon, wit-h all its positive and negative aspects, presents the most

realistic and existential picture of the Congregation possible but it

should not tempt you to indulge in sterile criticism. It is presented

merely to offer you a solid platform from which to go forth with

renewed energy aftet a courageous and fruitfirl review of afiairs, so

as to actuate the programme which Paul VI abeady gave to the Con-

gregation at t}e end of the XIX General Chapter in the happy phrase:

Progredire! It is good for us to repeat that word today because it

seems to me to be the ever-living and ever present echo of Don Bosco's

own phrase: << !7e must not slacken of[! >>.

May the Virgin Help of Christians help us to utilize sensibly this

twofold fatherly invitation: that of the Church through the Pope, and

that of our Father Don Bosco.