4307_The 2017 World Council Meeting of the Salesian Cooperators started in Rome

February 24, 2017

By Mr. Philip Yu, ASC
World Councilor for the East Asia – Oceania Region

Pisana, Rome, 22 February 2017 -- Our World Council Meeting (World Coordinator Mrs. Noemi Bertola and 11 Councilors for each Region) started at 5:30pm and our first guest is the Rector of General House. Fr. Manolo Jimenez (assigned Provincial of the new ACC Vice-Province – Africa Congo RDC – Congo Brazzaville) to share with us about the “Casa” of Rector Major as well as the casa of meetings.

On February 23rd we started with very good reflection before the Eucharist about Family, the same theme in line with Pope Francis but from a different angle – of how to accompany – we seldom look at family from this angle. It was a good reflection because the father and the sons are now at the “same” level and it bring them even closer together, like I was surprised to see the Pope so close yesterday!

The rest of the morning was debating about a couple of fundamental issues in the final draft if the World Council’s Handbook (Directory in Italian language). For instance, the role of the World Delegate for Salesian Family, whether he should carry an official vote, or how is it different from the ASC World Delegate.

In the afternoon we had a good lesson from Fr. Casti about Formation. It’s different from what he presented at the EAO Formation for Delegates of Salesian Family last November.

I’m happy that he has new inspiration from the Holy Spirit! Formation has 4 dimensions (language, management, practice and environment) and 3 integral factors (history, network and Project of Apostolic Life) to determine and identify of Salesian Cooperators. Besides, we shall also pay attention to adult learning (favourable environment, security context, mental and spatial distance) as well as the challenge of how to pass on the Salesian charism. All local centres should rethink the way of their initial formation and the way of discernment for new members, of which some regions reported as a critical factor to the members’ belonging to the Association!

Heartfelt greeting to all Salesian Cooperators and their Delegates in the EAO region.