PPStatutes-EN-2015


PPStatutes-EN-2015

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STATUTE
OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION
OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
Rome, 5 december 2015

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Præit ac tuetur
Guide and Protect Us
World Confederation
of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco

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Contributions
Noel Camilleri
Bernardo Cannelli
Antonio Cubeta
Don Francisco Garcia Fraile
Jesús García Herrera
Ángel Gudiña
Don Julio Humberto Olarte
Matteo Lai
Fr. Juan Linares
Francesco Muceo
Fr. José Pastor Ramírez
Fr. Giovanni Russo
Translation Italian - English
Bryan Magro
Noel Camilleri
Editing
Pierluigi Lazzarini
Copyright © 2015
World Confederation
of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Via della Pisana, 1111
00163 ROMA (Italy)
Tipolitografia
Istituto Salesiano Pio XI
Via Umbertide 11 - 00181 ROMA (Italy)
tel. (+39)06.7827819 - tipolito@pcn.net
Printed in the month of December 2015
Extra commercial edition

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Presentation
Rome, 5 December 2015
Dear Past Pupils:
I am writing on the feast day of Blessed Philip Rinaldi. A man
open for newness and was adept to recognise the needs of people
and society. He gave particular attention to encourage the invol-
vement of the laity.
Don Rinaldi uncovered the value of associations and gave si-
gnificance to the role of the laity as diverse from clerical life. He
promoted the Association from an embryonic, sentimental and
loose group to a living active organisation with concrete proposals
and clear objectives.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
The founding of the Association as such was the work of Don
Filippo Rinaldi, who gave it a juridical structure in 1911. Now, in
the context of the bygone centenary of this foundation, I myself
have the pleasure to introduce the new Statute of the World Con-
federation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco. I believe this is a pro-
vidential coincidence and a very significant one too because it
allows us to look back at the past and know what the original pur-
pose was, and then address the present and the future to discern
what God expects from an organization such as this. What matters
is our creative, dynamic fidelity to Don Bosco’s original inspira-
tion and to the current situation of the world and the Church.
This Statute is the result of a long process of work throughout
the World Confederation which ended in “5th World Statutory
Elective Assembly” held in Rome between the 3rd and the 6th
October 2015. That is, after six years of the approval ad experi-
mentum where the Association has studied and lived the Statute
before finally approved. Now, a new spring begins, in which the
identity and mission of the Past Pupils will bloom profusely wi-
thin the Salesian Family, in the Church and in the World.
I want to highlight some points which enrich this document. In
Chapter 1 on the ‘Identity and Origin’, the new Statute inserted a
biblical text where every past pupil is called to be “the salt of earth
and light of the world” (Mt. 5: 13-14). You have also introduced
a new chapter, Chapter 2 on “Belonging, Commitment and For-
mation in the Association” which is emphasising three key aspects
of the Association to all present and future members of Local As-
sociations, Provincial and National Federations. The sense of
commitment and belonging are solemnly declared in the “Prayer-
Promise of the Past Pupil of Don Bosco” which can be indivi-
dually recited by members, in meetings and especially publicly
when one decides to live his commitment as a past pupil in the
Association as «a project of life, as a choice or as a mission».
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Presentation
Among the Past Pupils there is a natural diversity which has to
be convincingly understood. The World Confederation, alternati-
vely called The Association, affirms its belonging to the Church.
However, there are other Past Pupils of different denominations
and faith communities whom, by title and right, consciously ac-
cept and practice their own beliefs. It is Don Bosco himself, with
his educational system and his mission who inspires unity in the
Association and brings all its members together in communion.
Dear Past Pupils, at this particular historical moment, society,
the Church and the Salesian Family is asking you to take to heart
the protection and promotion of those values we all consider to be
“non-negotiable”. They are indeed the guarantee of a truly human
life for all. I refer especially to the values of life, freedom and
truth.
You are part of the living fabric of society, and are called on to
be the defenders of these values. In this mission you will show
the world what it means to be “salt of the earth” and “light for the
world”, by living out your life as lay people guided by a clear con-
science, doing your work with thoroughly professional compe-
tence, and expressing your openness to today’s world through
practical social involvement.
Don Bosco is calling you again to be “honest citizens and good
christians”, to promote human dignity and the identity of the fa-
mily, to exercise solidarity within the Association and beyond it,
especially towards young people who suffer the most disadvan-
tage, to keep in contact with young people who are concluding
their education in Salesian houses, so as to invite them to become
actively involved in the Association. This will make them feel
they are always “Past Pupils of Don Bosco”, and it will offer them
the opportunity for their ongoing formation, and be an effective
group for their social involvement.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
I would like to tell you that the Past Pupils’ Association gains
its true energy from the Local Unions. They are the natural field
for the integration, formation and involvement of the members of
the Association. Therefore, it is imperative that the Local Unions
are strengthened in number and quality. Then we have the Salesian
Delegate who accompanies them with perseverance and dedica-
tion, following an appropriate formation programme. Finally, they
express their vitality through initiatives and projects that are si-
gnificant in their own local area.
When leading and governing the Association, do not forget to
use the tools that leaders and managers use which are synony-
mous with success, particularly “the strategic plan and the annual
operating plan”, as rightly stated in your Statute (Art. 21f).
The “education you have received” in the past cannot remain a
mere memory; you have to turn it into a force that draws the Past
Pupils along with it, to influence the world, transforming it and
making it more human.
Dear Past Pupils, I give you the Statute as a most valuable gift
while invite you to study and put it into practice.
I entrust all of you, individually, your loved ones and your com-
mitments to the care and maternal guidance of Mary Help of Chri-
stians!
With great affection and the same respect that Don Bosco had,
Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime
Rector Major
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Prologue
«One thing for which we must gratefully thank the Lord, which
forms my greatest consolation, is that wherever I go, I always hear
good things about you: everywhere good words are spoken about
my young of bygone days, everyone praises this meeting of ours,
because it is a significant means to remember the warnings and
words of advice I used to give you when you were of a younger
age. Yes, let me repeat it, this gives me my greatest consolation;
it is the honour and glory of my declining years.
I can see that many of you are already balding, with grey hair
and forehead lined with wrinkles. You are no longer the boys I
loved so much; however I feel that now I love you even more than
before.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
Continue along the good path as you have done for years, so
that you can say you are happy to have come here; Don Bosco
will also be pleased and can feel proud that the youths once so
dearly loved by him, now fully grown men, have known how to
maintain and practice the teachings they received from his lips.
You were a small flock: it has grown, it has grown a great deal, but
it will multiply yet more. You will be the light that shines within the
world, and by your example you will teach others how to do good
and how to detest and run away from evil. I am certain that you
will continue to be Don Bosco’s consolation. Dear sons, let the
Lord help us with His grace so that one day we shall all meet
again in Heaven»1.
_________________
1 Words of Don Bosco at the Convention of Past Pupils, 13th July 1885, Biographical
Memoirs of Don Bosco (BM) 17,173-174.
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Preface
We know how much Don Bosco loved his pupils. Once they
completed their educational programmehe followed them, invi-
ted them, welcomed them, guided them, he admonished them
when necessary, he worried about their wellbeing, above all, he
was concerned about their spiritual life.
«With your presence you assure me that the principles of our
holy religion that I taught you are set firmly in your hearts and
that these are the guidelines for our lives…»2.
_________________
2 MB XVII, p. 173-4.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
On another occasion, speaking to the Past Pupils, he said: «One
thing I urge you, my dear children, more than any other and that
is: wherever you might be, always show yourselves to be good
Christians and honest citizens… Many of you already have fami-
lies. So, share the education you received in the oratory from Don
Bosco, with your nearest and dearest»3.
From a practical point of view, «Don Bosco offered his youths
the possibility of making the “education received” bear fruit, ei-
ther in the committed group of Past Pupils, or in the Pious Union
of Co-operators, in the priesthood or religious life, or in his Sale-
sian Congregation. What is interesting to stress, was the impor-
tance he gave to the richness of education in the Oratory»4.
In answer to the deep love of Don Bosco, on the 24th June
1870, on the occasion of the feast of Saint John the Baptist and
Don Bosco’s name-day feast, «a dozen Old Boys officially met;
they chose as their leader the kind-hearted and generous Carlo
Gastini, who always considered the Oratory to be his second fa-
mily; they were committed to find a greater number of members;
then they appointed a commission to be better organised, for the
future, the annual expressions of affection and gratitude»5.
Amongst the many initiatives achieved in direct contact with
Don Bosco, for the benefit of the Old Boys, as they used to be
called at that time, we recall a particularly significant one. It was
_________________
3 MB XIV, p. 511.
4 E. VIGANÒ, The Past-Pupils of Don Bosco, in: “Acts of the General Council of the Sa-
lesian Society of St. John Bosco”, LXVIII (1987) 321, p. 9.
5 E. VIGANÒ, op. cit., pp. 6-7.
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Preface
the year 1878. «Don Bosco proposed a Mutual Aid Society to the
Old Boys to face up to current difficulties, even financially. “Make
sure this advantage is not limited only to yourselves, but is exten-
ded to those youths of good conduct that you already know, or to
all of you who are here at the meeting”. Carlo Gastini, leader of
the Old Boys, immediately took the organization into hand, using
a statute drawn up several years before by Don Bosco himself for
an identical institution amongst young workers»6.
«Little by little, especially after the death of Don Bosco, the
Old Boys organised themselves into local groups, unions and so-
cieties, right up to the proper organisation promoted by Don Fi-
lippo Rinaldi»7.
From 1901 onwards, different stages of organisation followed
one another. «The structure was formally created at the 1st Inter-
national Congress of the Old Boys in 1911, as a Federation of the
various local unions, clubs and societies. Until then they had been
called “Old Boys”8; from that date onwards they were called “Past
Pupils”»9. The creator and promoter of this initiative was Don Ri-
naldi himself. «Thus he was able to give an overall structure to a
movement of affections, of gratitude, of life ideals, that made the
‘education received’ and experienced a more alive and working
force»10.
Arturo Poesio, a late president of the Confederation, writes:
«The eloquence of Don Rinaldi was simple, spontaneous, pater-
_________________
6 MB XIII, p. 759.
7 E. VIGANÒ, op. cit., p. 7.
8 Today in Spain they are using again the term Old Pupils.
9 E. VIGANÒ, op. cit., p. 10.
10 LRM p. 10; E. CERNIA, “Life of God’s Servant Fr. Filippo Rinaldi” SEI p. 252.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
nal and convincing. Only once he adopted a language of authority,
by declaring, in his capacity as Rector Major of the Salesian So-
ciety of Saint Frances of Sales, that the organisation of the Past
Pupils must be included in those “novas familias” that have flou-
rished in the Holy Church thanks to Don Bosco, which are allu-
ded to the Saint’s own Oremus»11.
The foundations of this organization started by Don Bosco and
completed by Don Rinaldi, the Association of the Past Pupils has
been expanding ever more in all Salesian works through organi-
sed and coordinated structures. The various events held over the
decades bear witness to this. The Past Pupils have always shown
themselves to be affectionate children and with an ever greater
commitment to operate in society.
The Past Pupil’s Association has over 100 years of life. It is a
comprehensive institution through the efforts of past and present
secular persons, laity, religious and Salesian Priests who were
committed with a strong sense of belonging; who led and gover-
ned the Association according to established criteria of theirera;
who were able to accept both the difficult and the good times wi-
thout being discouraged, with audicity, steadfastness and dedica-
tion; people who were willing to offer their time and their work to
consolidate this monument of thanks to Don Bosco, the World
Confederation of Past Pupils, with people from generous families
who have understood what it means to serve society, the Church,
the Salesian Family and the Association itself without complai-
ning12.
_________________
11 Congregation for the Causes of Saints”, Positio, Rome 1972, p. 28.
12 J. P. RAMÍREZ, “Un passato glorioso, un presente impegnativo, un futuro incorag-
giante!”, Key note Speech presented by the World Delegate in the “5th World Elec-
tive Statutary Assembly” which took place in Rome between the 3rd and the 6th
October 2015.
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Preface
As a sign of gratitude and thanks, I think that it is appropriate
to, at least, mention the Presidents and the World Delegates who
have served the World Confederation with exemplary dedication.
The Presidents: Piero Gribaudi, Felice Masera, Arturo Poesio,
José María Taboada, José María González Torres, Giuseppe Ca-
stelli, Antonio Guilhermino Pires, Francesco Muceo and Michal
Hort who was elected on the 5th October 2015. The World Dele-
gates: don Giorgio Gustave Seriè, don Guido Borra, don Luigi
Fiora, don Umberto Bastasi, don Carlo Borgetti, don Charles Cini,
don Henri Alen, don Mark Vellanganny, don Jerônimo da Rocha
Monteiro e don José Pastor Ramírez Fernández. I wish to also re-
member Tommaso Natale, who for many years, served as Gene-
ral Secretary. To all these people, a deep and sincere thanks.
Various successive Rector Majors also gave their contribution
in the animation of the Past Pupils, and with them, many other
Salesians. Amongst them, which you cannot but mention, are don
Luigi Ricceri and don Giovanni Raineri.
An authentic example is that of the late don Egidio Viganò who
wrote a meaningful and stimulating letter regarding the animation
and guidance of the Past Pupils by the Salesians of Don Bosco
which will always remain a fundamental document for the Past
Pupils themselves.
Don E. Vecchi offered a rich contribution to the Confederation
in the “8th National Congress of Past Pupils of Don Bosco of Italy.
Renew for Renewal” in Rimini on the 10th to the 13th October
1996 in his various interventions.
The former Rector Major, don Pascual Chávez Villanueva, du-
ring the various animation visits to the Provinces and in various
meetings with the Past Pupils has shown interest in the Associa-
tion inviting one and all to have «professional skill, moral con-
science and social commitment». Further, he asks them to defend
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
their values at all costs, above all: those of life, freedom and truth.
The present Rector Major, Don Ángel Fernández Artime, whe-
never he meets the Salesian Family encourages members to live
in communion, in collaboration, to grow in the spirit of belonging
towards their own groups and the Salesian Family, and not to com
plain. «Our strength is to live a true life of communion and fra
ternity that is more evangelical in order to be more consultative,
attractive in itself, offer our communial service within each of our
institutions or groups, and within our same Family whom we
speak the same language».
Don Artime comments: «continually encourages the Past Pu-
pils, not to lament, no need to focus on the past, but project your-
selves into the future considering the risks of the local
associations, Federations and the Confederation. Dear Past Pu-
pils, strengthen your commitment within the reality in which you
work. Let’s go back by being young at heart, offer help to those
who need it, to leave a sign of our own existence. Truth must be
shown, not only in written form, but to live with courage! It is
your turn to act upon the consequences, your turn to save those
who need your attention, it is your turn to build a sound founda-
tion for a new future. I believe that all of you, Past Pupils, have the
requisites to face these challenges as lay people in the world today,
the ability to bring to reality what you received over the years,
use them concretely. Furthermore, appreciate also what you are
daily receiving in all the Salesian environments»13.
The Salesians’ General Chapter XXII defines how the Past Pu-
_________________
13 V. MARTORANA, “I am the Father of all of the Salesian Family, Let’s Create Commu-
nion. Not Complaints!”, Voci Fraterne, XLVI (2015) 1, p. 18 and 19.
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Preface
pils belong to the Salesian Family and endorses it in Article 5 of
the Constitutions. It gives their “received education” as the reason
of their belonging: this education actually causes to be born in
them through different levels of participation in the Salesian mis-
sion in the world…
«The Past Pupils are, in themselves, particularly well prepared,
thanks to the education and formation they received, to assume
responsibilities of collaboration according to the proper objectives
of the Salesian project. The choice of evangelisation made by
many of them is not an alternative to the education they received,
but a privileged expression of it: therefore it does not constitute a
different title to be applied to a sort of new Group»14.
The purpose of living this “received education” caused various
local centres to emerge which were grouped into Provincial and
National Federations. These, together, constitute the World Con-
federation which is the structured body through which the sense
of belonging to the Salesian Family is expressed.
_________________
14 Guide to reading the comments to the Salesian Constitutions” p. 115.
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Chapter I
Identity and Mission of the Past Pupils
of Don Bosco
Art. 1 - Identity and Origin
«You are the salt of the earth ... the light of the world»15.
a) The World Confederation of the Past Pupils Don Bosco, also re-
ferred to as the Association, is a non-profit lay entity. It forms an
integral part of the Salesian Family in which the Rector Major –
the successor of Don Bosco – is the father and centre of unity.
The Past Pupils are:
~ the fruit of the Salesian Mission.
_________________
15 Mt 5, 13-14.
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~ A gift of richness to humanity.
~ A powerful energy acting like leaven to the world.
b) In remembering the zeal of Don Bosco, the Past Pupils gathered
for the first time, in a spontaneous and filial way, to express the
need to unite and form the first foundations of a Movement.
c) This association, inspired by Don Filippo Rinaldi and perfected
over the years, is currently grouped into Local Unions or Asso-
ciations, Provincial Federations, National Federations and other
recognised Groups. These, together, make up the “World Con-
federation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco”, which is the re-
cognised organisation through which a Past Pupil of Don Bosco
is allowed to genuinely belong to the Salesian Family.
Art. 2 - Types of Identity
a) The Past Pupils of Don Bosco are persons who because they at-
tended an oratory, a school or any other Salesian Presence, re-
ceived a formation for life, in various and diverse ways and
according to: different cultures, religion, the educational expe-
rience of each setting, the ability to accept individuals16, pursue
the principles of Don Bosco’s Preventive System17 and to form
persons by developing their individual authenticity.
b) We can recognise four of types of commitment of the Past Pupil
of Don Bosco which can truly define their identity:
~ For those who were students or attended a Salesian Presence
and who build their identity as a life project, which encoura-
ges them to unite to continue their formation, to spread the edu-
_________________
16 E. VIGANÒ, Gli Exallievi di Don Bosco, in: “Acts of the General Council” LXVIII
(1987) 321, p. 18.
17 Article 1b of the Statutes issued on the 31st January 1990.
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Chapter I - Identity and Mission
cational charism of Don Bosco in society, and to develop spe-
cific projects for youth18.
~ For those who were students or attended a Salesian Presence
and who built their identity as a choice, a mission, which they
accept with all that it entails. They feel called to transmitthe
values received in their Salesian education: the spirit and tea-
ching method of Don Bosco.
~ For those who were students or attended a Salesian Presence
and who built their identity as a grace, because they have been
touched by the zeal and desire of Don Bosco, in his profound
human and saintly experience; this leads the Past Pupil to be
identified as a Past Pupil of Don Bosco wherever they are.
~ For those who were students or having attended a Salesian Pre-
sence andwho built their identity as a fact of life, an anecdote,
which has not really touched their lives.
c) This educational experience has formed a commitment of filial
loyalty, gratitude, and witness to the values of Don Bosco’s sy-
stem, with an ability for service, communion and involvement in
the family spirit.
d) Gratitude leads the Past Pupils to participate in different ways and
levels in the Salesian mission in the world.
Art. 3 - Mission
a) The Christian Past Pupil genuinely lives the promises of Baptism
_________________
18 J. E. VECCHI, Past Pupil of Don Bosco towards 2000, in: VIII National Congress of
Past Pupils of Don Bosco. Conference proceedings, Rimini, 10-13 October 1996, p.
67 and 68 quoted by P. CHÁVEZ, Inauguration speech of the Confederal President,
Francesco Muceo, in the IV World Election Assembly 2010, minutes of the IV World
Election Assembly of the Past Pupils, 2 October 2010.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
and Confirmation by imitating the original charisma of Don
Bosco. This charisma is achieved in an apostolical committed li-
festyle based on Reason, Religion and Loving-Kindness, aimed
at youth and in keeping with the Joy that results from being a di-
sciple of Christ.
b) The Association of the Past Pupils participates in the mission of
Don Bosco and the Salesian Family in various ways:
~ by taking care of the “permanent formation” of its members,
~ by giving primary importance and taking care of the family,
~ by undertaking the education of youth with commitment,
~ “by advancing the values within the human person and respect
for the dignity of man”19,
~ by increasing active communion with all groups of the Salesian
Family,
~ by showing care towards those pupils at the end of their edu-
cational curriculum20,
~ by promoting activities at the service of humankind involving
anyone who, being guided and animated by good will, work
for the global and integral growth of the human person and the
family according to the Church’s Social Doctrine,
~ actively participating in the transformation of society.
~ by manifesting an updated ecumenical awareness amongst
Christians and bestowing an openness to dialogue with other
religions without ever forgetting to examine closely their own
Christian identity and evangelising mission, thus challenging
every form of ethical relativism,
~ by collaborating and or assuming responsibilities in educatio-
nal centres.
_________________
19 P. CHÁVEZ, Good night speech during the IV World Election Assembly 2010, minutes
of the IV World Election Assembly of the Past Pupils, 30 September 2010.
20 E. VIGANÒ, op. cit., pp. 29-35.
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Chapter I - Identity and Mission
c) A Past Pupil of another religion participates in the ideals of Don
Bosco, sharing the cultural, spiritual and social educational values
of his Educational System and recognising them as a natural and
universal common heritage of the human family. He/she beco-
mes a giver of these values in his/her life and work settings, and
also supports them with whatever their own religion and culture
suggest21.
d) All Past Pupils, considering the urgency of the problems of young
people, proactively respond, even on personal level, to the edu-
cational needs of all those cultural and learning initiatives that
interest young people in helping them develop and take on more
responsibilities at all levels.
_________________
21 Article 2 of the Statutes promulgated on January 31, 1990.
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Chapter II
Belonging, Commitment and Formation
in the Association
Art. 4 - Belonging and Formation
a) For those who live their commitment as “a choice, a mission” or
“a life project” the Association will provide them with a pro-
gramme of formation which also responds to their personal needs.
b) The Salesian Provincial, spiritual father of the Salesian Family in
every Province, appoints a person to follow the spiritual forma-
tion of the Past Pupils at local and provincial level.
c) To deliver the formation programmes to the members, the Asso-
ciation will consider enrolling qualified members within the Sa-
lesian Family.
d) The sense of belonging of each member towards the Association
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
should be reflected through specific signs:
~ by actively participating in the life of the Association;
~ by promoting the sense of belonging to future generations of
the Association;
~ by honouring the economic, ethical and moral commitments
towards the Association;
~ by demonstrating favour and active participation in social and
educative projects promoted by the Association;
~ by giving witness to the values of the Preventive System in the
family, workplace and in society;
~ by involving ourselves in the mission of the Church.
e) Enrolment in the Confederation takes place through the Local As-
sociations and requires that the Past Pupil shares its aims and ob-
jectives according to the Statute and relevant National
Regulations.
Art. 5 - Commitment to the Sense of Belonging
a) From the moment a Past Pupil freely decides to commit himself
in the Association, he confirms and upholds the Prayer-Promise22
of the Past Pupils.
b) The significance and meaning of the Prayer-Promise of the Past
Pupils of Don Bosco is to express one’s desire to live, every day,
in profoundness the role of the laity in society and in the Church,
and conserve Don Bosco’s charisma whereever they are.
_________________
22 When Past Pupils from other denominations decide to adapt the Prayer-Promise for
Past Pupils to other faiths, the Federations are to consult and seek approval from the
World Delegate of Past Pupils.
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Chapter II - Belonging, Commitment and Formation
PRAYER AND PROMISE OF THE PAST PUPILS
OF DON BOSCO23
GOD, OUR FATHER, THROUGH THE MEDIATION OF YOUR SON, JESUS, AND
THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
give heed to the prayers of the Past Pupils all over the world.
WE THANK YOU
for the invaluable gift of education which we have received,
under the enlightened guidance of the Salesians,
which have instilled our lives with the Salesian Spirituality.
WE ASK YOU WITH FAMILIAL TRUST
- GIVE US STRENGTH AND COURAGE to live the human and Christian mes-
sage in Society and in the Church;
- ENCOURAGE US to become “honest citizens and good christians”;
- HELP US to live together and promote solidarity in our Association and
beyond it;
- STRENGTHEN our faith, hope and charity.
WE PROMISE YOU
- TO FIGHT against injustice,
blackmail, superficiality, indifference;
- and TO DEFEND AT ALL COSTS,
the values inspired from Don Bosco’s teaching,
especially life, freedom and truth,
with a spirit of social, political and financial commitment;
- and TO BE, “the salt of the earth and light of the world”
with a strong influence in the world and in the Church.
WE BEG YOU
to watch over our Salesian Family,our dear ones and all of us. AMEN.
_________________
23 The Prayer-Promise can be recited by every past pupil and with their families. It can
also be said in the beginning or at the end of meetings of local, provincial, regional
or world level. It can be adapted to different situations as long as the content is fai-
thfully respected. Each National or Provincial Federation may publish copies o the
prayer to distribute among past pupils.
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Chapter III
Aims and Objectives of the Association
of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Art. 6 - General Aim
a) The general aim of the Association is to uphold those human va-
lues greatly to heart and defend them at all costs through social,
political and financial commitment. In particular:
~ life: it is sacred, from birth until death. We have to help young
people find meaning of life and be committed in safeguarding
the quality of life, especially that of the poorest and most
needy;
~ freedom: especially when governments appear to act more au-
tarchic, although seem as if they are democratic, endangering
the freedom and the common aim to build a better world where
freedom is guaranteed for all;
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~ truth: not only factual truth, but also the ethical and moral
truth, especially when witnessing the transition from a healthy
pluralism to relativism, which leads to nihilism and to the loss
of any reference point, and consequently, the decline of so-
ciety24.
b) The Christian Past Pupil authentically lives the meaning of Bap-
tism and Confirmation, emphasising the spirituality of Don Bosco
expressed in an apostolical committed lifestyle as a result of being
a disciple of Christ. To this end:
~ Promote activities at the service of people involving anyone
who, being guided and animated by good will, and is commit-
ted to the global growth of the human person and respect for
the family25.
~ Promote the spiritual life and the active participation in
the life of the Church as a sacrament.
~ Encourage an ecumenical spirit amongst Christians26 and ad-
vocate for openness to dialogue with other religionsi.
c) Moreover, a Past Pupil of Don Bosco, either a Christian or of ano-
ther religion, is called to express and develop the seeds that
emerge from the “received education”, that is:
1.To carry out the mission with:
a) Professional competence.
b) Moral conscience.
c) Social commitment.
_________________
24 P. CHÁVEZ, Goodnight speech during the IV World Election Assembly 2010.
25 Article 3 of the Statutes 1973.
26 E. VIGANÒ, op. cit., p. 21.
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Chapter III - Aims and Objectives
2.To plan formation and educational experiences.
3.To keep the received education alive and present, as exempli-
fied by the Preventive System, as a precious inheritance and
rich synthesis of thought and method that is to be wholly pro-
moted.
4.Promote human dignity; the respect for life; a more just so-
ciety; a culture of responsible work; as a means of sanctifica-
tion.
Art. 7 - Educational Promotion
The Association of Past Pupils, conscious of its own special responsi-
bility, binds itself with animating and promoting the personal growth of
its members and all young people in Don Bosco committing itself to:
a) Plan experiences of permanent formation for the Past Pupils, de-
signed to increase their on-going personal enrichment and update
the received education, so they are able to face the demands of
current times.
b) Be present as experts in the spheres in which educational poli-
cies of the young are developed.
Art. 8 - Family Commitment
The Association promotes and bears witness to the values and dignity
of the family, founded on the sacrament of Marriage, promoting therein
the principle of its indissolubility, the sacredness of life, the equality of
rights and duties between spouses, a Christian education and of other
faiths in the preventive educational method, and show respect to natu-
ral methods and aspirations of having children.
Art. 9 - Service to vocations and specific secular tasks
The Association accompanies young people in the choice of their pro-
fessional career, their inclusion in the world of work and culture, their
socio-political formation, the achievement of specific competencies in
social communication, in the healthy use of free time, and in their re-
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
sponse to their call. It looks after these factors through different invol-
vement.
Furthermore, the Association also promotes the Vocation of other groups
in the Salesian Family and the Church.
Art. 10 - Volunteer Movement
The Association of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco encourages participa-
tion in various Salesian volunteer activities and promotes the personal
commitment in the missionary apostolate.
Art. 11 - Attention to Young People
a) The Association looks after young people right from the first time
they begin to attend a Salesian Presence, by promoting the
Association and the advantages of joining the Movement as
young members. It also promotes projects and programmes, with
and for them, to suit their aspirations.
b) The Association contacts young people registered in the centres
and other Salesian Presence as they will be the future Associa-
tion’s action of assistance, renewal and involvement.
Art. 12 - The Salesian Family
a) The Association increases active communion with the other
groups of the Salesian Family by participating in new and exi-
sting arrangements that facilitate reciprocal appreciation, dialo-
gue, collaboration and interaction of the different groups.
Furthermore, it also participates annually in the World Consulta-
tive Council and the Spirituality Days of Salesian Family.
b) The Association studies and plans activities and agreements with
the Past Pupils of FMA, the Daughters of Mary Help of Chri-
stians (Salesian Sisters), thanks to the evident affinity of spirit
and pedagogy which characterise the two Associations that share
the same precious patrimony.
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Chapter III - Aims and Objectives
Art. 13 - Friends of Don Bosco
The Association is a point of reference and contact for anyone who “for
any reason” feelscommitted to the Salesian work, shares its objectives
and constitutes the vast movement of followers, including “the Friends
of Don Bosco”, who for a long time have worked, and are still active in
society.
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Chapter IV
Relations with the Salesians of Don Bosco
Art. 14 - Presence of the Salesians in the World Confederation
a) The World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco reco-
gnises the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, as the fa-
ther and centre of unity of the Salesian Family, and, as successor
of Don Bosco, considers him the World Confederation’s primary
reference.
b) In the Confederal Presidency and in the Confederal Executive
Council of the World Confederation, the Rector Major is repre-
sented by the Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Fa-
mily and the Confederal Delegate.
c) The World Confederal Delegate and the World Confederal Presi-
dency are responsible, with the understanding of the Provincial,
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
for the animation and assistance where the Past Pupils Associa-
tion is not yet established.
d) At Province level, the Provincials and the Directors of Salesian
Houses are responsible for the animation, likewise assisted by
their respective Delegates in the National or Provincial Federa-
tions and in the Associations, Unions and Local Groupsi.
e) At any level, the Delegate carries out his role in the name of his
Superior. He participates in the planning and coordination of the
Movement’s educational activities. He is present, at all levels, in
the governing and executive bodies, in the role of advisor while
closely following the Past Pupils, valuing and providing leader-
ship to the laity.
Art. 15 - Salesian Animation
a) The World Confederation recognises, demands and considers the
commitment of the Salesian Congregation in the role of anima-
tor of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco with the task of maintaining
unity of spirit, stimulating dialogue, encouraging brotherly col-
laboration and promoting an enduring spiritual formation.
b) This animation also involves the Past Pupils and Religious Past
Pupils (male and female).
Art. 16 - Autonomy in communion
The lay character, the secular nature and the autonomy of the World
Confederation, do not hinder the perpetual union with the Salesian So-
ciety of Saint Francis of Sales and the other groups of the Salesian Fa-
mily, but rather serves as a mutual enrichment and for an improved
functioning of the Movement.
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Chapter V
Organisation and Composition
of the World Confederation
of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Art. 17 - Organisation of the Association
a) The World Confederation of the Past Pupils is a unique
organisation, without ethnic and religious distinctions. As a lay
association, it has a juridical personality and its own
representation which is recognised, where applicable, by
individual States. Enrolment in the Confederation takes place
through the Local Associations and requires that the Past Pupil
shares its aims and objectives according to the respective statutes
and relevant national regulations.
The Association is composed of:
b) Associations and Local Unions. These may be composed of:
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
~ Past Pupils of Don Bosco grouped around a Salesian Presence.
~ Past Pupils of Don Bosco who gather together but in their
country are too far from the original Salesian House and show
a desire to unite.
~ Past Pupils of Don Bosco who have immigrated from other na-
tions or regions and show a desire to unite.
c) Provincial Federation
This is composed of all the Associations and Local Unions within a Sa-
lesian Province. Given the autonomy of each group of the Salesian Fa-
mily, where there is the reorganisation of a Salesian Province, it is up to
the members of that Federation to decide whether to keep the existing
structure or otherwise adapt to the new reality of the Salesian Society.
d) National Federation
~ It consists of all the local associations and Provincial Federa-
tions within a country27.
e) World Confederation
This is composed of all the National Federations and also of the Pro-
vincial Federations in a country where a National Federation does not
exist.
Art. 18 - Composition – Structures
The organising structures of the World Confederation of the Past Pupils
of Don Bosco are:
a) General World Assembly.
_________________
27 When a Salesian of Don Bosco Province consists more than one country, that Province
may have more than one National Federation.
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Chapter V - Organisation and Composition of the World Confederation
b) Confederal Presidency.
c) Confederal Executive Council.
The National and Provincial Federations and the Local Associations
must organise themselves autonomously in compliance with their own
National Federation Statute.
The organising structures of the National Federation are:
a) National General Assembly.
b) National Presidency, with representatives from all existing Pro-
vincial Federations or in the absence of these, the Local Asso-
ciations including those recognized Groups that are eligible to be
part of.
c) National Executive Council.
The organising structures of the Provincial Federations are:
a) Provincial General Meeting.
b) Provincial Presidency, with representatives from all the existing
Local Association.
c) Provincial Executive Council.
The organising structures of the Local Associations are:
a) General Assembly of all the members.
b) Local Presidency.
c) Executive Council of the Local Association.
To start a Local Association the minimum requirement is that a consi-
derable group of Past Pupils expresses a desire to unite.
Art. 19 - Structures of the World Confederation
a) World Confederal Presidency
The General World Assembly is the highest body of the Confedera-
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
tion of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
It is composed of:
~ The Presidents of the National Federations.
~ The Presidents of the Provincial Federations, wherever a Na-
tional Federation does not exist or where there is only 1 Pro-
vincial Federation.
b) The World Confederal Presidency
It is composed of:
~ The Confederal President.
~ The Senior Confederal Vice-President (appointed amongst the
4 Adults Councillors, one from each Region).
~ The GEX Confederal Vice-President (appointed amongst 4
GEX Councillors, one from each Region)28.
~ 4 adult and 4 GEX Regional Councillors.
~ Distribution of the region’s representatives for the Confederal
Presidency is as follows:
- Europe: 2 councillors, 1 adult and 1 GEX.
- Africa: 2 councillors, 1 adult and 1 GEX.
- Latin America: 2 councillors, 1 adult and 1 GEX.
- Asia: 2 councillors, 1 adult and 1 GEX.
~ The Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family.
~ The World Confederal Delegate.
~ The Secretary General, even when co-opted by the General
World Assembly.
~ The Confederal Treasurer, even when co-opted by the General
_________________
28 The 4 Regions are: Europe, America, Africa and Asia-Oceania-Australia.
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Chapter V - Organisation and Composition of the World Confederation
World Assembly.
~ The representative of the Priest Past Pupils.
c) The Confederal Executive Council
It is composed of:
~ The Confederal President.
~ The GEX Confederal Vice-President.
~ An Adult Regional Councillor (appointed by the Confederal
Presidency amongst its elected 4 adult Regional Councillors).
~ The World General Secretary.
~ The Confederal Treasurer.
~ Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family.
~ The World Confederal Delegate.
d) Experts– Consultants
In the Confederal Presidency of the World Confederation, one or more
experts – consultants but up to the maximum of 3 members can be co-
opted to the Presidency, in subjects in which a special competence is
required. Their appointments must expressly indicate their abilities and
terms of duration.
The commission’s reports are not the exclusive property of the Presi-
dency. The members of this commission do not have voting rights.
e) Special Commissions
The Confederal Presidency can likewise set up a Commission compo-
sed of experts Past Pupils – up to a maximum of 3 persons – in matters
on the agenda for discussion, to whom special authority will be given
to particular issues.
The Confederal Presidency will establish in advance the tasks and du-
ties of the Commission, the work and the submission of timeframes for
proposals and recommendations, to be issued in a final report for the
Confederal Presidency of the World Confederation.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
Art. 20 - Meetings and Reunions
a) The General World Assembly
~ The General World Assembly is organised by the Confederal
Presidency. It meets every 6 years.
~ The convocation is sent by the World President and the Secre-
tary General, at least a year before to guarantee the most pos-
sible participation, and will include the General Agenda.
b) Extraordinary General World Assembly
The Confederal Presidency can decide to hold an Extraordinary Gene-
ral World Assembly:
~ To call for new elections in the event of resignation of the ma-
jority (½ + 1) of the Confederal Presidency, or of the entire
Confederal Executive Council, or for any other reason.
~ At the request of at least 2/3 of the members of the Confede-
ral Presidency.
~ At the request of at least 1/3 of the National Federations or of
the Provincial Federations, when a National Federation does
not exist in that country.
~ In particular serious circumstances, at the request of the Rec-
tor Major of the Salesian Society of Saint Francis of Sales, who
also has the right to determine special procedural guidelines.
c) Meeting of the Confederal Presidency
The meeting of the members of the Confederal Presidency takes place
every year.
At the invitation of the Confederal Presidency, and with a valid reason,
one or more persons, up to a maximum of 3, can be invited to attend.
The invited persons shall only participate in those matters on the Agenda
which are assigned to them and have no voting rights.
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Chapter V - Organisation and Composition of the World Confederation
d) Meeting of the Confederal Executive Council
The meeting of the members of the Confederal Executive Council takes
place at least 3 times a year.
At the invitation of the Confederal Executive Council, and with a valid
reason, one or more persons, up to a maximum number of 3, can be in-
vited to attend.
However, invited persons shall only participate to those matters on the
Agenda which are assigned to them and they have no voting rights.
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Chapter VI
Tasks in the Organising Structures
Art. 21 - Tasks
a) The World Confederal Assembly
~ Determines the general guidelines of the Confederal Presi-
dency for the achievement of the aims and objectives of the
World Confederation.
~ Approves the Report of the World President and the Secretary
General.
~ Approves the World Confederal Statute; examines, arranges
and approves proposals for modification and updating of the
Statute.
~ Elects the members of the Confederal Presidency.
~ Approves the Financial Report of the Confederal Treasurer and
be released of such responsibility for the audited period.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
~ Listens to and approves the Reports of the National and Pro-
vincial Federations.
~ Approves any projects proposed by the Confederal Presidency.
b) The Coordinator of the World Confederal Assembly
1.Is the person responsible for the coordination and efficient ad-
ministration of the General World Assembly.
2.It is expected that the Coordinator of the World Confederal As-
sembly to assume:
- the competent direction of the Assembly in agreement with
the World Confederal President;
- the well-conducted coordination of the sessions during the
World Confederal Assembly;
- the proper functioning of the related offices and technical
servicesi;
- the presentation of the daily matters on the Agenda to the
Assembly;
- the releasing of all communications and other eventual in-
formation issued by the Assembly Presidency.
c) The Moderators of the World Confederal Assembly
The three Moderators are elected during the World Confederal Assem-
bly from a list of five names proposed by the World Confederal Presi-
dency.
Regarding the Moderators’ role, they should take it in turn, to regulate
the debates in the assembly-hall, by following faithfully the relevant re-
gulatory requirements thus, demanding all participants to abide with
these regulations making sure not to permit any unauthorised interven-
tions or discussing subjects not submitted in the daily order of the
Agenda.
Until the Moderators are appointed, the Coordinator shall assume this
role.
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Chapter VI - Tasks in the Organising Structures
d) The Presidency of the World Confederal Assembly
The Presidency of the World Confederal Assembly consists of: the
World Confederal President, the Coordinator of the World Confederal
Assembly, the World Confederal Delegate, the three Moderators.
e) Functions of the Presidency of the Assembly
~ Opens and closes the General Assembly.
~ Ensures that the Assembly follows the Agenda set by the Con-
federal Presidency.
~ Submit the Agenda of the Assembly including the dates and
timeframes of the sessions.
~ Solving any doubt “iuris et facti29 regarding the implementa-
tion of the Regulations, subject to written of a least one third
(1/3) of the effective members in the Assembly, and shall hear
and deliberate with a 2/3 majority.
f) The World Confederal Presidency
~ Develops a Strategic Plan in accordance with the resolutions of
the General World Assembly.
~ Approves the Annual Operational Plan proposed by the Con-
federal Executive Council with the support of the Regional
Councillors.
~ Assigns specific tasks to the Members of the Confederal Pre-
sidency.
~ Follows up on contacts with International Organisationsi.
~ Plans Conventions or International Meetings and reunions, Ge-
neral Consultations and, when required, National or Provin-
cial Consultations in accordance with the operational plan.
~ Approves the budget and the annual financial report of the
Confederal Treasurer.
~ Establishes the annual amount to be contributed to the World
_________________
29 By law or fact.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
Confederation by the National or Provincial Federation or by
similar groups which hold a recognition by the World Confe-
deration.
~ Examines the reports submitted by the National or Provincial
Federations.
~ Authorises and organises the conferring of merit awards on
Past Pupils and other deserving persons according to the spe-
cific norms.
~ Meets at least once a year.
~ When necessary, draws the attention of the members of the
Confederal Presidency to their statutory duties, when they do
not fulfil them, and takes note thereof in the minutes of the
meetings.
~ Appoints and forms any Commissions that may be needed
(electoral commission, financial commission, youth commis-
sion, editorial team, responsible for magazines and publica-
tions, ad hoc commission for specific issues).
~ Co-opts consultants (specialists) for pre-defined purposes and
with pre-defined terms (timeframes and tasks).
~ On the recommendation of the Confederal Executive Council,
approves the nomination of the Coordinator of the World Con-
federal Assembly.
g) Confederal Executive Council
~ Develops and implements the directives of the Confederal Pre-
sidency.
~ Puts forward proposals to the Confederal Presidency.
~ Draws up the draft annual operational plan with the collabo-
ration of the Regional Councillors and to be approved by the
Confederal Presidency.
~ Approves the regulations of the National Federation and any
amendments thereof while communicates its own advice in the
event of any controversy concerning the application of the Sta-
tute.
~ Approves the minutes of the meetings drawn up by the Secre-
tary General and communicates them within 2 months to all
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Chapter VI - Tasks in the Organising Structures
members of the Presidency.
~ Examines the financial accounts put forward by the Confederal
Treasurer.
~ Meets regularly every quarter to review the progress and imple-
mentation of current projectsi.
~ Makes a list of the nominated candidates to be proposed for elec-
tion, and their qualities and skills that they possess (including lan-
guages spoken, formation, available time etc…).
~ Can grant exemption, for one year only for documented justified
reasons, from the fixed annual contribution from the Federations
or to recognized groups which have made a request for same.
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Chapter VII
Duties and Tasks of the Members
of the Confederal Presidency
Art. 22 - The Confederal President
a) Has legal representation of the Confederation.
b) Maintains relations with the Superiors of the Salesian Society of
Saint Francis of Sales and the leaders of the groups in the Sale-
sian Family, the Civil Authorities, International Organisations and
third parties.
c) Convenes the General Assembly, other international events, the
Confederal Presidency and the Executive Council, chairing them
including through representativesi.
d) Convokes World, Continental and International Congresses au-
thorised by the World General Assembly or the Confederal Pre-
sidency, presiding them directly or through representatives.
e) Maintains links with all the National Federations and with their
Representatives.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
f) Confers at his own initiative or at the proposal of the Confederal
Presidency or of the National Federations, special awards of merit
on Past Pupils, Salesians, or others who have distinguished them-
selves for special merits towards the Past Pupils Movement (Ho-
norary Member, badge of merit with diploma, medals, diplomas
of loyalty).
g) Proposes to the Rector Major the promulgation of the Statute of
the World Confederation as approved by the World Assembly and
oversees its implementation.
h) Maintains the unity, together with the Confederal Presidency, co-
responsibility, spirit of initiative and main guidelines that ensure
an active approach of the commitments of the Past Pupils, pri-
marily the animation of young peoplei.
i) Performs the activities according to his mandate in close collabo-
ration and in advanced consultation with the Confederal Execu-
tive Council.
j) Presides over the meetings of the Confederal Presidency and the
Confederal Executive Council.
Art. 23 - The Confederal Vice-Presidents
a) Substitute the President in case of his absence.
b) Receive specific tasks from the President and from the Confede-
ral Executive Council, particularly within the ambit of animation,
in certain geographical zone. These tasks are performed through
the organisational structures that already exists.
c) They can make use of experts to study and propose cultural, so-
cial, ecclesiastical projects to the Past Pupils, devoting their prio-
rity of attention towards young people.
d) They help the President in promoting the unity and communion
of all Federations with the Confederal Presidency.
e) In particular, the GEX Vice-President animates the GEX Sector’s
activity in common agreement with the Regional Councillors.
Art. 24 - The Regional Councillors
a) Are the witnesses, animators and the reference points of the Con-
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Chapter VII - Duties and Tasks of the Members of the Confederal Presidency
federation in their own Regions. They make up the regional net-
work of the Confederation and promote a close communication
and communion with the Federations of its own Region while ac-
ting in accordance with the World Confederal Presidency.
b) They receive specific tasks from the Confederal Presidency, espe-
cially for the mission of animation in their respective Regions,
making use of existing resources and structures.
c) They may resort to the help of experts in the study and prepara-
tion of proposals for the benefit of Past Pupils’ cultural, social
and ecclesiastical projects in their respective Regions, with spe-
cial attention to the needs of youth.
d) They assist the Confederal President and the Confederal Senior
and GEX Vice-Presidents in their efforts in favouring the union
and communion of all the National or Provincial Federations with
the members of the Confederal Presidency.
e) They assist the National and Provincial Federations in their re-
spective Regions, together with all the members of the Confede-
ral Presidency, in the work of animation of the Past Pupils of Don
Bosco.
f) If a Regional Councillor could not pursue his or her commitment,
he or she should notify in writing to the World Confederal Pres-
idency. If he or she does not, the Confederal Executive Council
will proceed to do its verification of the service offered and con-
sequently report the findings to the Confederal Presidency in
order to proceed to co-opt another person.
Art. 25 - The World Confederal Delegate
a) Is the other representative of the Rector Major of the Salesian
Society of Saint Francis of Sales and the spiritual animator of the
World Confederation, in particular of the Confederal Presidency
and the Confederal Executive Council. He carries out this ani-
mation through letters, personal contacts and visits in which he
studies the different local situations of life and work.
b) Animates the permanent formation of the Past Pupils of Don
Bosco, with special attention to the young ones. He performs all
of this together with the Regional Councillors in their Regions
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
and with other qualified lay people.
c) Edits publications and other aids for the formation and spiritual
and cultural animation of the Past Pupils, and in particular of the
members of the Confederal Presidency.
d) Informs the Rector Major of the Salesian Society of Saint Fran-
cis of Sales and the Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian
Family about the situation both of the World Confederation and
of the various National and Provincial Federations.
e) Receives his guidelines from the Delegate of the Rector
Major for the Salesian Family.
f) Is a member by right of the Electoral Commission for the rene-
wal of the Confederal Presidency.
Art. 26 - The Secretary General
a) Is an elected member of the Confederal Presidency. If no one is
elected, he must be co-opted by the World Confederal Presidency
but in such appointment he or she has no voting rights.
b) Can propose the nomination of one or more additional secretaries
to the Confederal Presidency and subject to its approval.
c) Is responsible for the Secretariat of the World Confederation.
d) Maintains good public relations with the heads of the other groups
of the Salesian Family and with other organizations.
e) Draws up an administrative report once a year together with the
President and submits it to the Confederal Presidency meeting.
f) Collaborates in drawing up the Agenda for meetings of the Con-
federal Presidency and the Confederal Executive Council.
g) Draws up the minutes of all the meetings and sends them, within
30 days, to the members who were present and those who justi-
fied their absence, taking care of any necessary translations.
h) Is responsible for the acts and minutes and submits them for ap-
proval.
i) Takes care of everything that is necessary for the efficient running
of the Secretariat.
j) Is responsible for the archiving of all documentation and all cor-
respondence received from the National and Provincial Federa-
tions and from other recognized groupsi.
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Chapter VII - Duties and Tasks of the Members of the Confederal Presidency
k) Is responsible for the organization and updating of a (worldwide)
database of names and addresses of the members of the National
and Provincial Federations and of the recognized groups.
l) Is responsible for the creation and updating of a list of established
National and Provincial Federations, Local Associations and re-
cognised groups, and for publishing this list every year.
m) Starts the procedures for elections, six months before the World
Confederal Assembly, by announcing the date of the elections to
all the National or Provincial Federation Presidents and reque-
sting the dossiers of nominees.
n) Is responsible for achieving the required level of organisation of
the World Confederation.
o) He is the President of the Electoral Commission for the renewal
of the Confederal Presidency, unless he is a candidate to the
Presidency.
p) When the Secretary General is a candidate of the World Confe-
deral Presidency, then, the Confederal Executive Council will ap-
point another person to act as President of the Electoral
Commission.
Art. 27 - The Confederal Treasurer
a) Is an elected member of the Confederal Presidency. If no one is
elected, he must be co-opted by the World Confederal Presidency,
but in such appointment, he or she has no voting rights.
b) Is responsible, together with the Confederal President, for the Fi-
nances of World Confederation.
c) Can propose the setting up of a financial committee to address
specific problems.
d) Is responsible for the World Confederation’s bank account, and all
other financial sources, together with the Confederal President
and the Secretary General, and is moreover authorised to carry
out financial transactions. Each transaction must be countersi-
gned by at least 2 of the 3 mentioned persons responsible for the
account otherwise considered as invalid.
e) Draws up the annual budget and the annual balance sheet and sub-
mits them to the Confederal Presidency meeting for checking and
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
approval.
f) Maintains the accounts up-to-date.
g) Ensures that any extraordinary expenses not envisaged in the an-
nual budget are specifically approved by the Confederal Execu-
tive Council and draws up the Financial Statements.
h) Is responsible for all the assets of the World Confederation and
prepares an annual inventory, which he/she sends to the Confe-
deral Presidency.
i) Collects the financial annual quota of the National and Provincial
Federations in the month of January, after sending out an invita-
tion to honour this payment.
Art. 28 - Executive Secretary
If the Association proceeds with the recruitment of an Executive Se-
cretary, he will assume the functions currently assigned by both the Se-
cretary General and the Confederal Treasurer but they will remain
within their responsibility. He will support operational projects initiated
by the World Confederal Presidency.
Art. 29 - Internal Auditor
The World Confederal Presidency will proceed to nominate an inde-
pendent internal auditor, that annually undertakes the necessary verifi-
cations of accounts and processes, and report these to the World
Confederal Presidency.
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Chapter VIII
Decisions
Art. 30 - Voting in the Presidency and in the Confederal Executive
Council
a) All current members of the Confederal Executive Council and the
Confederal Presidency have the right, on an equal basis, to ex-
press their opinions and to vote.
b) Decisions are passed by a simply majority (½ + 1) of those pre-
sent. If half the members are not present, no decision can be
taken, unless by written authorisation.
c) Voting by written authorisation (proxy) is permitted and valid with
full rights. The proxy holder must be a member of the Confede-
ral Presidency.
d) Each member can hold only 1 written proxy.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
e) In case of an equal number of votes, the World President will have
the casting vote.
f) The World Confederal Delegate and the Delegate of the Rector
Major for the Salesian Family have voting rights.
g) Co-opted members, invited persons, specialists or experts, do not
have voting rights.
h) The exercising of voting rights must guarantee the anonymity of
the person entitled to the said right.
Art. 31 - Voting in the General World Assembly
a) The following have voting rights:
~ The President of each National Federation has 1 vote.
~ The President of each National Federation in which there are
one or more Provincial Federations, has 1 vote of every 3 or
fraction of this:
- 1 vote: if there are 1 to 3 Provincial Federations
- 2 votes: if there are 4 to 6 Provincial Federationsi
- 3 votes: if there are 7 to 9 Provincial Federationsi
- 4 votes: if there are 10 or more Provincial Federations.
~ The President of a Provincial Federation where there is no Na-
tional Federation has 1 vote.
~ Each member of the Confederal Presidency has 1 voteo.
b) Proxy given to another member
~ Voting by proxy given to another member of the same organi-
zation is permitted. More than 1 proxy to the same member is
not allowed. A proxy, signed by the plenipotentiary and by the
person who authorises the proxy, specifying their identity and
position, may be given to a member of its own Federation or
to another person with voting rights from another Federation in
the same regional area.
~ Exception may be made for Regional Councillors of the re-
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Chapter VIII - Decisions
gion who must be authorised by the Provincial.
c) Conditions for exercising voting rights
Conditions for exercising voting rights: subject to exception, any Na-
tional Federation or Provincial Federation that has not made payment of
its annual membership fee on regular basis shall not be permitted to
exercise any voting rights.
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Chapter IX
Confederal Presidency Elections
Art. 32 - Electoral Commission
10 months before the end of the term in office of the Confederal ap-
pointments, the Confederal Executive Council will appoint an Electo-
ral Commission composed of at least 3 members including the Secretary
General and the Confederal Delegate. The Secretary General is the Pre-
sident of this Commission.
The tasks of the Electoral Commission are:
a) Draw up voting regulations.
b) Call for nominations for the Confederal Presidency 6 months be-
fore the elections.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
c) In case of the Assembly being convened by post, carry out the
final check and count of the postal vote received and proclaim a
list of those elected, by means of specific declaration.
d) Ask the elected persons to vote on the shortlist of three names to
be submitted to the Rector Major.
e) The members of the Electoral Commission cannot be nominated
for the election to the Confederal Presidency.
f) The Confederal Presidency will submit a complete list to the Elec-
toral Commission of all those with voting rights. This list will be
published on the Past Pupils’ website, or through other social
media, at least 1 month before the date fixed for the elections.
Art. 33 - Nominations
a) Each National Federation can submit up to 3 nominations, 1 of
which is reserved to a GEX (young past pupil); the approval of
the President, the National Delegate, the Provincial for the terri-
tory of membership of the candidate is required and, if married,
from his wife or her husband. The approved list will be dissemi-
nated by the Electoral Commission at least 2 months before the
World Assembly.
b) The approved list will be disseminated by the Electoral Commis-
sion at least 2 months before the World Assembly.
c) No nomination which is submitted after the established date will
be accepted.
d) The GEX candidates must be between the age of 18 to 30 years
at the time of their appointment.
Art. 34 - Elections
a) Election of the Confederal President, the Secretary General and
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Chapter IX - Confederal Presidency Elections
of the Confederal Treasurer.
The President of the Electoral Commission, after the voting and coun-
ting of ballots are completed, he will immediately compile the complete
list of the candidates and their respective votes gained by the World Ge-
neral Assembly. He presents a shortlist of the most three most voted
candidates with their number of votes to the Rector Major. The Rector
Major will decide on the appointment the World Confederal President.
The eligible voters will elect, from a specific list, the Secretary Gene-
ral and the Confederal Treasurer during the World Assembly. The can-
didate who obtains the highest number of votes will be elected to the
position to which he presented his candidancy.
Candidates may be nominated for two posts. Once elected, the candidate
is not eligible for other functions.
If a person is elected for two posts, the Electoral Commission asks him
to proceed to choose an option. The person with the next highest num-
ber of votes is consequently elected to that function which was become
vacant.
If no nominations are received for these executive posts, that of the Se-
cretary General and the Treasurer, at the first meeting of the Confede-
ral Presidency, then the newly elected members must co-opt a suitable
candidate for each vacant post.
b) Members of the Confederal Presidency: The Regional Councillors
All those with voting rights who belong to a Region can vote for all the
candidates of said Region (according to the votes attributed on the basis
of Art. 31) to elect the members of the Confederal Presidency.
The members of the Confederal Presidency vote for the candidates of
the Region to which they belong.
The Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family and the World
The candidate who obtains the largest number of votes in their own Re-
gion becomes Regional Councillor for that Region.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
The young person who obtains the largest number of votes in their own
Region becomes GEX Regional Councillor for that Region.
Art. 35 - Term of Office
a) The Confederal President holds office for 6 years and may be re-
confirmed once only, reckoning that any appointments previou-
sly taken up in the Presidency are not taken into account. The
members of the Presidency hold office for 6 years and, ordinarily,
may be re-elected once only.
b) The same criteria for term of office apply to any members who are
co-opted to the Presidency and to the Council.
c) In case of the resignation or death of the President or the Senior
Vice President, the Rector Major is informed respectively either
by the Senior Vice President or the President, who will indicate
alternative names from amongst the surviving members of the
Presidency who will then appoint a substitute until the normal
expiry date of the existing mandate.
d) In case of the resignation or death of a member of the Confede-
ral Presidency, the President will convene the Confederal Exe-
cutive Council:
~ For the official acknowledgement of the resignation or death
of the Councillor.
~ For the usual notice, in case of death, to the Salesian Family.
~ To take the necessary action by way of following up such as the
filling of the post of Councillor of the Presidency to the first of
the non-elected persons (adult or GEX as the case may be) of
the regional area to which the Councillor belonged; and simi-
larly if he or she was a member of the Confederal Executive
Council. The new Councillor will be appointed by the Presi-
dency, as set out herein above.
In the absence of an available candidate on the list, the Confederal Pre-
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Chapter IX - Confederal Presidency Elections
sidency can co-opt a substitute.
e) Past Pupils vested with important public and private roles, cannot
carry out mandates, especially those of President. The Confede-
ral Presidency is competent to assess any special cases.
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Chapter X
Information and Notices
Art. 36 - Information bodies
a) Through the Confederation’s official site, the Presidency will pu-
blish periodical news and information for the National Federa-
tions and for anyone interested in the Association’s activities. The
website may be supplemented by the publication of a newsletter.
b) Each National Federation is called upon to collaborate with arti-
cles, news, experiences, that are considered useful, to be made
known at world level through the above mentioned bodies.
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Chapter XI
Banner, badge, merit awards,
days of celebration
Art. 37 - Banner, badge, merit awards and days of celebration
a) The Confederal Banner is kept at the offices of the World Confe-
deration. It shows the face of Don Bosco. It is placed on display
at the time of solemn celebrations like anniversaries, internatio-
nal and world congresses, reunions and meetings.
b) The Badge, together with the Banner, is the visible sign of the
unity of the Confederation and of the commitment to the organi-
sation. Designed and cast at the request of the Confederal Presi-
dency, it is deposited within the General Secretariat. It
substantially reproduces the original design approved during the
Second International Congress held in 1920.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
c) The gold badge of merit, other certificates of loyalty and special
diplomas are awarded for outstanding services.
d) The following annual feast days are celebrated:
~ 31st January - Feast of Don Bosco
~ 24th May - Feast of Mary Help of Christians
~ 24th June - World Feast of the Past Pupils in commemoration
of Don Bosco’s name day and the birth of the Past Pupils Mo-
vement
~ 5th October - Feast of Blessed Alberto Marvelli
~ 5th December - Feast of the Blessed Filippo Rinaldi
~ 8th December - Feast of the Immaculate Conception and com-
memoration of the beginning of the Salesian Family.
The Past Pupils of Don Bosco also participate in the Salesian Family ce-
lebrations organised at national, provincial and local level.
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Chapter XII
Financing
Art. 38 - Funding Sources of the World Confederation
The World Confederation receives its financial means from:
a) Annual membership fees. Paid by each National Federation as ex-
pression of belonging to the World Confederation. The National
Federations are obliged to contribute towards the sustainability of
the World Confederation through fees fixed by the Confederal
Presidency in relation to the number of members. The Confede-
ral Presidency will annually decide upon the amount of the mem-
bership fee due from each National Federation by taking into
account the national average per capita income.
The Confederal Presidency establishes the amount of membership fees
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
each year. In the event that the National Federation is composed by va-
rious Provincial Federations, the fee is due from every Provincial Fe-
deration. In the event that the National Federation has not been
established, the annual fee is due from every Provincial Federation.
b) Donations and projects. With these aims the Confederal Treasu-
rer is allowed to organise activities and hold projects. The World
Confederation is authorised to receive income and contributions
from various sources for the aims prescribed in this Statute.
Art. 39 - Expenses
On this basis of actual income and according to the budget put forward
by the Confederal Treasurer, the Confederal Presidency can allocate a
certain amount, each year, to a member of the Confederal Presidency for
the implementation of a proposed and approved project.
The Confederal Treasurer shall settle the travel and other expenses of
members of the Confederal Presidency and of the Confederal Execu-
tive Council or of other persons, only if there is a prior authorisation of
the Confederal Executive Council. (All expenses must be accompanied
by a relevant receipt).
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Chapter XIII
Disciplinary Rules and Penalties
Art. 40 - Disciplinary Rules and Penalties
a) Membership of the Association can cease through personal choice
of the Past Pupil, or due to a considered decision of respective
Presidencies at all levels.
After having proof of unbecoming conduct which is not in line with sta-
tutory rules and regulations, or that, is causing injurious damage to the
organisation or community life, or due to other serious reasons, the re-
spective Presidencies can decide with the consent of ⅔ of their members
oni:
~ A motion of no-confidence and a request for resignation.
~ The dismissal from office (in case of an official).
~ The expulsion of the Past Pupil from the Association.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
b) The decisions in the foregoing section may be appealed against by
an immediately higher structure.
c) If a written complaint is made concerning a member of the Con-
federal Executive Council or the World Confederal Presidency,
the Confederal Delegate after holding consultation with the Cen-
tral Delegate of the Salesian Family and the Rector Major, will
take a decision concerning the requested sanction (suspension,
expulsion) with a common understanding with the remaining
members of the Confederal Executive Council and the World
Confederal Presidency.
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Chapter XIV
Text - Interpretation and Amendments
Art. 41 - Official Text
a) The official text of this Statute is the one drawn up in Italian and
deposited with the General Secretariat bearing the signatures of
the Rector Major of the Salesian Society, the World President,
the Central Delegate of the Salesian Family, the Secretary Gene-
ral and the World Confederal Salesian Delegate.
The various translations into different languages must be autho-
rised by the Confederal Presidency and must expressly show the
approval obtained.
b) Any controversies concerning the authentic interpretation and en-
forcement of this Statute and of the National Regulations shall
be referred to the Confederal Presidency.
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
c) The present Confederal Statute can serve as a model for drawing
up the Statutes or Constitutions of National or Provincial Fede-
rations, and even those of Local Associations.
d) The National or Provincial Statutes must be presented to the Con-
federal Executive Council for approval and they come into force
after obtaining it. This also applies in case of future amendments.
e) All the members of the Confederal Presidency and the National
Federations may put forward amendments to this Statute. Defi-
nitive approval is the responsibility of the General World As-
sembly and requires a majority of 2/3 of the members with voting
rights of those present.
Art. 42 - Headquarters
The headquarters of the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don
Bosco is established in the General House of the Salesian Society of
Saint Francis of Sales, currently at Via della Pisana 1111, 00163 Rome,
Italy.
Promulgated on 5 december 2015
Memory of the Blessed Filippo Rinaldi
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Chapter XIV - Text - Interpretation and Amendments
Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime
Rector Major
Michal Hort
World President
Don Eusebio Muñoz
Delegate of the Rector Major
for the Salesian Family
Domenica Sapienza
World Secretary
Don José Pastor Ramírez Fernández
World Delegate
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Index
Presentation
Prologue
Preface
pag. 3
”7
”9
Chapter I
Identity and Mission of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Art. 1 - Identity and Origin
pag. 17
Art. 2 - Types of Identity
” 18
Art. 3 - Mission
” 19
Chapter II
Belonging, Commitment and Formation in the Association
Art. 4 - Belonging and Formation
pag. 23
Art. 5 - Commitment to the Sense
of Belonging
” 24
Prayer and Promise of the Past Pupils
of Don Bosco
” 25
Chapter III
Aims and Objectives of the Association
of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Art. 6 - General Aim
Art. 7 - Educational Promotion
Art. 8 - Family Commitment
Art. 9 - Service to vocations and specific
secular tasks
Art. 10 - Volunteer Movement
Art. 11 - Attention to Young People
Art. 12 - The Salesian Family
Art. 13 - Friends of Don Bosco
pag. 27
” 29
” 29
” 29
” 30
” 30
” 30
” 31
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THE STATUTE OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE PAST PUPILS OF DON BOSCO
Chapter IV
Relations with the Salesians of Don Bosco
Art. 14 - Presence of the Salesians
in the World Confederation
Art. 15 - Salesian Animation
Art. 16 - Autonomy in communion
pag. 33
” 34
” 34
Chapter V
Organisation and Composition of the World Confederation of
the Past Pupils of Don Bosco
Art. 17 - Organisation of the Association pag. 35
Art. 18 - Composition – Structures
” 36
Art. 19 - Structures of the World
Confederation
” 37
Art. 20 - Meetings and Reunions
” 40
Chapter VI
Tasks in the Organising Structures
Art. 21 - Tasks
pag. 43
Chapter VII
Duties and Tasks of the Members
of the Confederal Presidency
Art. 22 - The Confederal President
Art. 23 - The Confederal Vice-Presidents
Art. 24 - The Regional Councillors
Art. 25 - The World Confederal Delegate
Art. 26 - The Secretary General
Art. 27 - The Confederal Treasurer
Art. 28 - Executive Secretary
Art. 29 - Internal Auditor
pag. 49
” 50
” 50
” 51
” 52
” 53
” 54
” 54
Chapter VIII
Decisions
Art. 30 - Voting in the Presidency and in the
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Index
Confederal Executive Council
Art. 31 - Voting in the General World
Assembly
pag. 55
” 56
Chapter IX
Confederal Presidency Elections
Art. 32 - Electoral Commission
Art. 33 - Nominations
Art. 34 - Elections
Art. 35 - Term of Office
pag. 59
” 60
” 60
” 62
Chapter X
Information and Notices
Art. 36 - Information bodies
pag. 65
Chapter XI
Banner, badge, merit awards, days of celebration
Art. 37 - Banner, badge, merit awards
and days of celebration
pag. 67
Chapter XII
Financing
Art. 38 - Funding Sources of the World
Confederation
Art. 39 - Expenses
” 69
” 70
Chapter XIII
Disciplinary Rules and Penalties
Art. 40 - Disciplinary Rules and Penalties pag. 71
Chapter XIV
Text - Interpretation and Amendments
Art. 41 - Official Text
Art. 42 - Headquarters
pag. 73
” 74
Index
pag. 77
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Banner
Published in the Bicentennial Celebration
of Don Bosco's Birth

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