austraLasia #2087

Chapter's 'memo' to RM accepted with gratitude

ROME: 7th March 2008 --  The study by regions of the Rector Major's Report on the state of the Congregation was, in a sense, 'handed over' this morning, once a second opportunity to adjust the summary points from across all regions had been given and a definitive version produced.  The document is really a 'memo', nothing more or less, and as such it will not even go into the official acts of the Chapter.  In case that sounds like two or three days of not so productive work, the reality is quite to the contrary. There is nothing particularly 'secret' about the memo, but it simply does not function as a document for the whole Congregation.  Instead it will guide the Rector Major and his Council in their planning for the next six years, because it highlights several priorities.
    As the Rector Major put it in gratefully accepting this very focused study on his report, 'it points to the central theme of the Salesian mission'.  And it does - it presents a number of challenges to the 'Salesian in mission', the 'Salesian in a missionary community', and to the 'Salesian formed for mission', and then outlines several guidelines for each of these. So no surprise, for instance, that it suggests another careful look at processes and methods of not only initial but also ongoing formation, and the drawing up a profile of the Salesian able to hold together a passion for God and for the young. And as the RM said, this study, now drawing to a close, is in function of the main Chapter theme.  It will be taken up again towards the end, by regions, after the elections for the new Council.
    Before moving on to the next and central aspect of the Chapter's work - on the theme, via commissions - the Assembly spent a few moments in evaluation of the process so far.  It expressed a great deal of satisfaction. People are feeling 'at home' but also feeling that good work is being achieved. As for work just completed, Chapter members felt that they had been able to respond to the need for a 'bank of proposals' for the RM and his Council, that they had had a chance to 'listen to the cry not only of the young but also of the confrères', as represented through sharing region by region and in assembly.  In fact Chapter members, one sensed, felt their responsibility for all those for whom Salesians work and for the Confrères they represent. They also expressed the need there is for great energy and passion by all Salesians to meet the challenges.  But as one member reminded the assembly, it is not all human work, and even failure from time to time is part of God's great success story in Jesus: "Do not be afraid....they will see me there" (Mt 28:10).
    Tomorrow commissions will be meeting, then a break in the afternoon.  Saturdays are nominated as 'Community Day', so that GC26 can replicate and indeed model the rhythm which every community is meant to follow in this regard.
    And that will enable austraLasia to catch up on a bit of the local regional news that is coming in - Saturday and Sunday we will try to clear that out in readiness for Monday's continuing Chapter sessions.
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Title: australasia 2087
Subject and key words: SDB General GC26 Phase one finished
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2087