ROME: 14 July 2005 -- We are by now well accustomed
to the introduction, post-Vatican II, of the term inculturation.
It first begins to appear in ecclesial documents in 1975 though we owe
its adoption in Salesian terminology to the Bangalore representatives
at the Special General Chapter 1971-2 - predating the wider ecclesial
use then, which is a point of historical as well as of terminological
interest.
Since the 70's, inculturation has become a big issue
generally in ecclesial circles, since it touches specifically on the
relationship between the Gospel message and culture (as distinct from enculturation,
which is more a reference to socialisation into a culture).
Specific charisms, the Salesian charism being one of those, also speak
of 'inculturating the charism'.
In the East Asia-Oceania Region, quite apart from
the wider debate on inculturation of the Christian Gospel in areas
where Christians are numerically insignificant, there is the challenge
of inculturating the Salesian charism as an essential feature of
initial and ongoing formation for each group within the Salesian Family.
To date, the Rector Major has spoken once,
specifically, of inculturation in its wider sense and of the Salesian
charism in the region. This was at Fatumaca ITM last year.
He has promised a letter to the whole Congregation on the issue, but we
have it from good sources that this letter will not be issued this
year, though it is expected during 2006.
In the meantime, there is a wealth of material
available, developed within the region and including the Rector Major's
talk/discussion at Fatumaca. There is certainly enough already
available for personal and community reflection. Go to Bosconet
and find Reflection on inculturation under resources on the right hand
side.
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