4257_Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment

4257_Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment

SDB and FMA Walking together with the Young

January 19, 2017

By Our Own Correspondent

Generalate, 18 January 2017 -- Annual meeting of SDB and FMA General Councils was held at SDB General House in the afternoon of January 18, 2017 around the theme of incoming 15th Synod of Bishops (October 2018) 'Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment'.

Presided by the Rector Major Fr. Angel F. Artime and Mother General Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, the 30 participants spend 6 hours meeting in joint prayer, mutual listening, life sharing and meal. After the Vespers also prayed the Novena to Mary Help of Christians for the safety and freedom of Fr.Tom in Yemen as suggested by ADMA (January 15-24).

The 'Lineamenta' Incoming Synod of Bishops concluded with 15 different questions send not only to the Bishop Conferences, Roman Curia and Major Superiors but also open online (website) to any youth around the world were presented, commented and studied during the first part of the meeting. Sr. Maria Teresa Spiga (Auxilium), Sr. Runita Borja (FMA general councilor for YM) and Fr. Fabio Attard (SDB general councilor for YM) offered their convergent inputs. Then all participants in groups and in assembly shared the suggestion of possible joint Salesian journey during the two year period of 2018 Bishops Synod preparation and beyond.

Some emerging inspiration for joint action:

  • As Salesian Family we are very grateful for this Youth & Faith & Vocation centered Synod occasion

  • One joint letter of the Rector Major and Mother General for the Synod preparation

  • How to reach to those 'far away youth' from the Church as our main mission frontier

  • Wonderful opportunity for us to live, work, walk together with the local Churches and share our Charism

  • Listen together to the youth (Observatory of the Youth: SDB UPS, Rome and FMA Auxilium College, Rome)

  • Need to form better SDB and FMA for vocational accompaniment and vocation culture building

  • Share this journey with the whole Salesian Family and our Lay Mission Partners

  • Youth & Faith focused Synod path can wake up the best Salesian energies, to be more present among the young

In a family environment followed the dinner, exchange of gifts and final words of the Rector Major. Mother Yvonne took this occasion for giving thanks to all SDB around the world who accompany spiritually the FMA sisters in 1400 communities around the world with the sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation as well with spiritual guidance.

Basic Documents for the 2018 SYNOD OF BISHOPS and Salesian produced aids are available on the BOSCOLINK

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