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ANIMATION AND ACCOMPANIMENT IN THE SALESIAN FAMILY
The Secretariat of the Salesian Family
Layout
IME Comunicazione srl
Salesian Central Office
Via Marsala, 42 – 00185 Roma
First Edition - December 2024
Ad Experimentum

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRESENTATION
7
The challenge of journeying together
7
The prophecy of accompanying
8
A guide for the journey
9
Questions for sharing
10
PART ONE
11
THE CHARISMATIC FAMILY OF DON BOSCO:
A PROPHECY OF COMMUNION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
AND THE POOR IN THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD
1.1. Don Bosco, Founder of the Salesian Family
13
a) Don Bosco thought of us as and wanted us to be a Family
13
b) A Family faithful to the charism received
14
c) The joy of journeying together
15
Questions for sharing
16
1.2. The prophecy of being a Charismatic Family in the Church
17
a) Don Bosco, Father of a charismatic Family
17
b) The fruits of the Salesian charism call us to shared responsibility 18
c) The frame of reference: the Charter of Identity
19
d) The Salesian Family journeys together with other charismatic Families 19
in the Church
19
Questions for sharing
21
1.3. The prophecy of being communion in missionary synodality
22
a) Communion and witness
22
b) Communion in diversity
23
c) Communion in synodality for a prophetic mission
24
d) Living in missionary communion
26
Questions for sharing
27
1.4. The prophecy of shared mission
28
a) All are called and sent, open to God’s novelty
28
b) Shared mission
29
c) Change of mentality: metanoia
31
d) Shared and participative methodology
32
Questions for sharing
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PART TWO
35
STRUCTURES OF ANIMATION AND ACCOMPANIMENT
2.1. Preface
37
2.1.1. The rich and complex reality of the Salesian Family
37
2.1.2. We speak of animation
38
2.1.3. We speak of accompaniment
39
2.1.4. The service of animation and accompaniment in the Salesian Family 41
2.2. World level bodies or structures
43
2.2.1. The Word Advisory Council
43
a) Nature
43
b) Objectives
43
2.2.2. Secretariat for the Salesian Family
44
a) Nature
44
b) Members of the Secretariat
44
c) Tasks
45
2.2.3. The central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family
46
a) Nature
46
b) Tasks
46
2.2.4. Councillors, Delegates, Animators at world level
48
a) Nature
48
b) Tasks of the first-mentioned kind
48
c) Tasks of the second-mentioned kind
49
2.3. Bodies or structures for the local area
50
2.3.1 The Provincial Advisory Council
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a) Nature
50
b) Objectives
50
c) Organisation
51
d) Particular situations
52
2.3.2. The Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family as a whole
53
a) Nature and appointment
53
2.3.3. Provincial Delegates (or the like) for each Group in the area
56
a) Nature and appointment
56
b) Tasks
56
2.3.4. The Delegates that the Groups ask SDB or FMA bodies for
to accompany their Group.
57
2.3.4.1. The Provincial Delegate for the ASC
57
a) Nature and appointment
57
b) Tasks
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2.3.4.2. Provincial Animator for ADMA
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a) Nature and appointment
58
b) Tasks
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2.3.4.3. Provincial Delegate for the PP-DB
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a) Nature and appointment
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b) Tasks
59
2.3.4.4. Federal and Local Delegates for the EXA - FMA.
61
a) Nature and appointment
61
b) Tasks
61
2.3.4.5. The Ecclesial Assistant of the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) 62
a) Nature and appointment
62
b) Tasks
62
2.3.4.6. The Ecclesiastical Assistant of Volunteers With Don Bosco (CDB) 64
a) Nature and appointment
64
b) Tasks
64
2.3.4.7. The Spiritual Councillor of the Dame Salesiane (ADS)
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a) Nature and appointment
65
b) Tasks
65
2.3.5. Other local structures
66
2.3.5.1. Structures at the level of SDB regions and FMA Conferences 66
2.3.5.2. Structures in ASC Regions
66
2.4. Profile of each Delegate (or similar)
67
2.4.1. A person on a constant process of growth to maturity
67
2.4.2. A person aware of being called by God for a service of
68
accompaniment in the Salesian spirit
2.4.3. A person who has fallen in love with Salesian spirituality
68
2.4.4. Ongoing formation of the Delegate
69
a) Introduction
69
b) Priority aspects in an ongoing formation path for the Delegate
70
c) Some conditions for the development of their mission
70
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
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Presentation
The challenge of journeying together
Journeying together as the Salesian Family. Here are some challenges
presented by the Charter of Charismatic Identity of the Salesian Family
(2012). The word together has taken shape gradually as the Charter has
been studied and understood by the more than 30 Groups belonging to
it and has been implemented in the Salesian Family Advisory Councils
at various levels.
The Charter aims high. The communion involved in this together is part
of our being, of our identity. We are also aware that journeying together
is a true prophecy for the world, an inestimable gift that the Spirit
has wanted to give his Church, the horizon established by Don Bosco
for his sons and daughters. What is the Spirit asking at this stage of
history?
Reflecting on journeying together as a Salesian Family is the aim of
this document, to deepen the particular responsibilities of the various
Groups and individual members in the animation and accompaniment,
to achieve a renewal in the way of carrying out their mission with
dynamic fidelity. A responsibility and a renewal that stem from the
awareness of the prophetic nature of our Family which, as a portion of
God’s holy people, shares in the prophetic gift of Christ.1
The reflection must be made in the light of the Identity Charter, in order
to draw from it motivations and practical guidelines that contribute to
further development of the exercise of animation and accompaniment
in the Salesian Family.
In the elaboration of this work our starting point has been our experience
over recent decades We have paid attention to the new challenges of
the world in light of the Gospel, the Magisterium of the Church, and
1 Vatican II, LG,12.
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the teaching of the Rectors Major. People from different continents
with significant experience in animation and accompaniment in the
Salesian Family have contributed to its development, alongside the
members of the Secretariat. The text, however, is open to further
contributions and additions.
The prophecy of accompanying
The brochure is structured in two parts. The first: The Charismatic
Family of Don Bosco, a prophecy for the young and the poor in the
Church and in the world.2
This part makes reference to the figure of Don Bosco as Founder of the
Salesian Family and to its prophetic mission, highlighting some of the
consequences that result from this:
„ the prophecy of being a charismatic Family in the Church;
„ the prophecy of being communion in missionary synodality;
„ the prophecy of being a shared mission.
The second: Structures or bodies of animation and accompaniment.
This second part deals with:
„ the essential perspectives of animation and accompaniment in
the Salesian Family;
„ the nature of the various animation and accompaniment structures
at world and local level, and the role of the individuals called to
carry out the service of animation and accompanying both as a
whole and within the individual Groups;
2 It is worth recalling the identity of the true prophet: “The prophet is a believer chosen by God
to speak to men in his name.. In fulfilling this function he lives in intimate relationship with God
so as to hear, understand and faithfully transmit his message. What he communicates to others
comes not from himself but from the heart of God himself A God who is not merely a kind of great
architect of the world but also the Lord of history, who has an immense love for man and remains
unbelievably at his side in the events of his freedom.“ (Egidio Viganò, AGC 346).
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„ the fundamental attitude with which delegates / facilitators
(animators) are called to grow in order to respond to the task
entrusted to them.
A guide for the journey
The document is presented as an invitation to commit ourselves more,
as the Salesian Family, to the common response to God’s call to grow in
quality and depth. The guidelines offered require a spill-over into the
provinces or territorial areas, taking into account the characteristics of
each situation.
Hence it is desirable that every local area manages to establish
the Salesian Family Advisory Councils;3 that every Advisory Council
succeeds in developing its own plan for animation and accompaniment
involving all the Groups; that each Group includes in its project and
planning everything concerning the Salesian Family in its local area.
Apostolic fecundity can only come from the complementarity and
synergy of the different Groups of the Salesian Family in the local area.
3 The term Advisory Council is an institutional expression of the charismatic unity of the vari-
ous Groups found in the area (worldwide, provincial, or local). It comprises the Group Leaders
present in it with the aim of promoting communion, ensuring the development of the charism,
reflecting together, planning common initiatives, and strengthening the vocational ministry and
pastoral activity of each Group.
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QUESTIONS FOR SHARING
1. Looking at the situation of the Salesian Family in your
local area, what are the strong points and the challenges?
2. How has the together aspect of the challenge been
experienced? What can the Spirit of God ask of us in this
regard?
3. There is a powerful word here: “Prophecy”. If we apply
the word prophecy to journeying together as a Salesian
Family, what kind of light does that shine before us?
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PART ONE
THE CHARISMATIC FAMILY
OF DON BOSCO:
A PROPHECY OF COMMUNION FOR
YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE POOR IN
THE CHURCH AND IN THE WORLD.
«The Salesian Family of Don Bosco
is a charismatic and spiritual community
comprising different Groups, officially established and recognised,
linked together by ties of spiritual relationship
and of apostolic affinity” 4 that responds to a vocational call:
a true prophecy of communion for the young and the poor.
Charismatic family, Synodal communion, Shared mission:
three great aspects of our being prophecy
at whose origin is the heart of Don Bosco,
Father and Founder of the Salesian Family.
4 Charter of Identity, 4.

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1.1. Don Bosco, Founder of the Salesian Family
“With humble and joyful gratitude we acknowledge that Don Bosco, by
the initiative of God and the maternal mediation of Mary, gave rise in the
Church to a singular experience of evangelical life. The Spirit shaped in
him a heart filled with a great love for God and for his brothers and sisters,
in particular the little ones and the poor, and in this way made him Father
and Teacher of a multitude of young people as well as the Founder of a
vast spiritual and apostolic Family.”5
a) Don Bosco thought of us as and wanted us to be a
Family
All members of the Salesian Family recognise the apostolic passion
of Don Bosco who “to respond to the expectations of youth and the
popular classes founded the Oratory conceived as a large youthful
family” (1846), the Salesians (1859), the Daughters of Mary Help of
Christians (1872), the Salesian Cooperators (1876), the Association
of Mary Help of Christians (1869), and welcomed the first Past Pupils
(1870). To all the first Groups he “dedicated time, energy, formative and
organisational commitment… convinced that the apostolic strength of
the whole Family would depend on its unity of purpose, of spirit, of
method and style of education.”6
Many others were added the Groups he founded, arising out of different
socio-cultural contexts, inspired and guided by his charism7 and by the
renewal promoted by the Second Vatican Council.8
5 Charter of Identity, 1.
6 Ibidem.
7 Cf. Quaderno Carpanera. Words that on 20 May 1917 Fr Rinaldi addressed to the group that gave
rise to the VDB: “The Superiors always welcomed these desires well, all the more so as this matter
was truly in the mind and in the program of the venerable Don Bosco... who spoke precisely of two
distinct classes of people, observing the same rule, one of which formed a community and the other
lived in the world, in order to promote the spirit of the Congregation there, in the practical imple-
mentation of action.”
8 Cf. The Salesian Family of Don Bosco. Rome, 2020.
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“Family spirit, familiarity, forming one heart and soul”,9 were words
often heard from him, thus manifesting his profound desire for a
strong family in view of a fruitful “educational, youthful, popular and
missionary mission”.10
b) A Family faithful to the charism received
The individual Groups of the Salesian Family have long been engaged
internally in a serious process of renewal for a path of communion:
the constitutional texts, life projects, statutes, and respective formation
plans are a sign of this, but even more so is the vitality of their witness
in the different local areas.
Even the Salesian Family as a whole has made significant progress
in this direction. The successors of Don Bosco, especially after the
20th General Chapter, have animated, encouraged, accompanied and
faithfully insisted on this spirit.11 A milestone along the journey has
been the Charter of Charismatic Identity and the practice of many
shared initiatives in the areas of communion, spirituality, mission, and
formation.
Here are the challenges for fidelity to the charism received: feeling
and nourishing a keen awareness of the community dimension so as to
think in terms of the entire Salesian Family and to be a sign of ecclesial
communion; being aware of belonging to a single spiritual Family and
being committed to journeying together with a shared sense of feeling
and working in the Church and in the world.
Journeying as a Family is to live the very core of Don Bosco’s spirit and is
an expression of being Church, the People of God. Journeying together
(synodos) is really our way of being Church, of being a family.12
9 Don Bosco, Constitutions 1875.
10 Charter of Identity, 16.
11 Significant documents have been the Common Identity Card (Fr Egidio Viganó, 1995), the Common
Mission Statement (Fr Juan E. Vecchi, 2000), the Charter of Charismatic Identity (Fr Pascual Chávez,
2012), and the interventions of ordinary magisterium of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, especially in the
presentation of the various yearly Strennas. Cf. Called to love with hope, Rome, 2024.
12 “To walk together is the constitutive way of the Church; the figure that enables us to interpret
14

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c) The joy of journeying together
Journeying together is a source of joy: this has been our experience over
the years. However, we must recognise how many times the constant
call that comes to us from Don Bosco’s own life, from the teaching
of the Church’s Pastors, from the sharing within the Salesian Family
itself, struggles to be transformed into life due to the personal, cultural,
social, and political situations in which we find ourselves, especially
regarding:
„ Living with a clear sense of identity and belonging to the Family
as a whole (and perhaps also to one’s own Group).
„ Being spiritually united, understanding and appreciating the
specific charism of the different Groups, and working together
practically (unity of intentions, spirit, method, style).
„ Nurturing and expressing the ecclesial sense of the Salesian
charism.
„ Engaging in true animation and in human and spiritual support
for one another.
„ Correctly valuing the identity of the Christian layperson in the
Church and in society by consecrated individuals and by the
laypeople themselves.
„ Setting out on the mission, giving depth to the presence and
commitment in the new youthful and popular agoras of our world,
to work in collaboration with youth ministry and vocational bodies
belonging to the Groups and dioceses.
reality with the eyes and heart of God; the condition for following the Lord Jesus and being servants
of life in this wounded time. The breath and the pace of the Synod show what we are, and the dyna-
mism of communion that animates our decisions. Only from this perspective can we truly renew our
pastoral ministry and adapt it to the mission of the Church in today’s world; only in this way can we
address the complexity of this time, thankful for the journey accomplished thus far, and determined
to continue it with parrhesia”. Pope Francis, to the Assembly of the Italian Episcopal Conference, 22
May 2017.
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It is the charism that urges us to radiate the joy13 of:
„ Opening ourselves to the other Groups while preserving each
one’s autonomy.
„ Being daring audacious and apostolically creative, stepping out
of our comfort zones to respond to the challenges of the present
moment.
„ Recognising the identity of the laity, seeing them as authentic
subjects (i.e. active players) in the mission
„ Taking on our own responsibilities as individuals and Groups.
As a Salesian Family, all the Groups and members are called to assess
the situation in which we find ourselves, to embark on paths of deep
renewal, and to revitalise that family spirit that Don Bosco conceived
us as having and wanted.
QUESTIONS FOR SHARING
1. What prompted Don Bosco to open up to such a broad
vision of his mission, involving so many diverse forces
and making a true family out of them? Can his vision also
help us to better appreciate our Salesian Family identity?
2. Are we conscious of the rich heritage of reflection and
life that recognising ourselves as a family has produced
within the Congregation and the Groups over time? What
are the aspects that fill us most with joy? How can we
help each other to internalise them and experience them
more deeply?
3. Convinced as we are of the mystery of the Church as
Communion - People of God, how can we help each other
live and practically express this reality as the Salesian
Family in the area where we operate?
13 Cf. Saint Paul VI, EN, 75.
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1.2. The prophecy of being a Charismatic Family in
the Church
The individual prophets chosen by the Lord gave rise to a prophetic
community. The prophetic dimension of the Church stems from Christ.
It is worth gaining a renewed awareness of our being prophecy as
the Salesian Family of Don Bosco and putting into practice what it
expresses.
a) Don Bosco, Father of a charismatic Family
The image that emerges from the foundational process of the Salesian
Family is that of a charismatic, open Family consisting of numerous
brothers and sisters, each with their own personality yet all closely
united in carrying out the Founder’s mission in synergy, all animated
by his spirit. This is a real prophecy in the Church for the young and the
poor. Much more than a simple human institution, it is a gift from God:
„ a Family in fraternal communion, with its gaze raised to heaven
and its hands ready to work in the world;14
„ a Family that brings together various vocations, consecrated and
lay, but all united and driven by the same apostolic passion for the
salvation of the young;15
„ a Family that does not fear daily difficulties, but decisively travels
through the pergola of roses of the world, also accepting the
thorns to proclaim the Gospel of joy and hope to the young and
to ordinary folk;
„ a Family that is able to appreciate all the positive aspects rooted
in people’s lives, in created realities, in historical events, and that
is able to grasp the authentic values to be found in the world;16
14 Charter of Identity, 5.
15 Charter of Identity, 4.
16 Charter of Identity, 7.
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„ a Family that knows how to dream together, pray together, plan
together, work together... and thus be a sign of prophecy and
communion in which it is beautiful to bet on life;17
„ a family that finds its roots in the Mystery of infinite love that
unites the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, source, model, and goal
of every human family; a family whose members recognise the
primacy of God - Communion in their life. “This is the heart of
Salesian mysticism”, Father Viganó said.18 Therefore we are called
to be a prophetic expression of the Trinitarian communion which
is God.
b) The fruits of the Salesian charism call us to shared
responsibility
Every gift wants to be recognised, welcomed, appreciated, allowed to
flourish. Members of the Salesian Family, amazed by the abundance of
fruits that have arisen from Don Bosco’s charism, feel deeply involved
in the growth of this gift of the Spirit. Everything in their life has
acquired a new dimension: the face of God; following Jesus; the living
experience of the Spirit; attachment to the Church; apostolic and
transformative presence in the world, especially among the young and
the poor; the conviction of Mary’s maternal help; family style… They
have not felt merely outwardly involved but inwardly touched.
All this has led them to become new men and women, dedicated to the
cause of the Kingdom in the different circumstances of life; to grow in
the conviction of what unites them as a Family (baptism, mission, gospel
humanism, Mary, Don Bosco, the Rector Major his successor, father and
centre of unity…); to value the special nature of the specific vocation
and mission of each Group that enriches the whole; and to realise an
exchange of gifts in deep communion, convinced that “without others,
the members of a particular Group cannot be themselves.”19
17 Charter of Identity, 39.
18 Charter of Identity, 5.
19 Charter of Identity, 10.
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Each of the Groups of the Salesian Family and their members can say:
“Like Don Bosco, in dialogue with the Lord, we journey together moved
by the Spirit, experiencing fraternal and family life as in Valdocco, open
and available, going out to the existential peripheries, becoming gift
and prophecy ‘for’, ‘among’ and ‘with’ the young and the poor”.20 This
awareness of the gift and its fruits in us sustains us mutually and
nurtures our shared responsibility.
c) The frame of reference: the Charter of Identity
The Charter of the Charismatic Identity of the Salesian Family is the frame
of reference for the Family as a whole and for the individual Groups. It
is the intrinsic expression of being and living the Salesian life, from the
perspective of communion, mission, and spirituality of each individual.
Beyond the Constitutions and Statutes of one’s own Group, it is
necessary to understand the Charter of Identity of the entire Family, to
value it, study it, make it an object of meditation and prayer so as to
keep alive the charismatic values that we share. When someone enters
a Group they enter the Family as a whole.21 Therefore it is a significant
act to present the Charter of Identity along with the Constitutions /
Project or Rule of life / Statutes / Regulations at the solemn moment
of making the profession or the promise.
d) The Salesian Family journeys together with other chari
smatic Families in the Church
“God is love”.22 The Church is the Family of God - Communion, the
community of the faithful gathered in the unity of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.23 All humanity is called to be a family, the home of
the Trinity, in the civilisation of love.
20 Cf. GC27 of the SDB, 2014. Introduction.
21 Charter of Identity, 10.
22 1 Jn 4:8,16.
23 Vatican II. LG, 4.
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The charism, bestowed on founders and foundresses, tends to grow at
various levels and expand through concentric circles, giving rise to a
charismatic family.24 One is not religious or Christian in the abstract.
Charismatic families manifest themselves as a true Copernican
revolution. The gift of the Spirit as lived in a charismatic family, is an
important generator of coherence, enthusiasm, creativity, capacity for
risk, and dedication even to the ultimate consequences in the purest
gospel spirit.
As a Salesian Family, together with the other charismatic Families of
the Church, we feel encouraged to be witnesses of communion, sisters
and brothers (consecrated and lay) committed to sharing an intense
spiritual life, responsibilities, and services that bring a fresh gospel
energy for the building of the Kingdom.
The Salesian Family, as a charismatic family, feels that it is a bearer
of significant innovations in today’s Church, those of its own charism,
and promotes its most genuine gospel-based resources. Together, as
brothers and sisters, from the youngest to the oldest, we feel like sons/
daughters of God with the same dignity and shared responsibility.
We practice mutual listening and discernment, aware that the Holy
Spirit generally manifests through the mediation of simpler and lesser
brothers and sisters. This is a novelty to be found in the Christian
tradition, that becomes a prophecy for the world.
24 Cf. Pope Francis, Apostolic Letter to all Consecrated Persons, 21/11/2014, II,3.
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QUESTIONS FOR SHARING
1. Let us share how we can help each other live and
joyfully testify to the beliefs expressed in the
Charter of Identity. How can we further develop the
prophetic dimension of our charism for the good
of young people and the vitality of the Church?
2. What place does the Charter of Identity have in our
formation and mission? Is it a point of reference
that goes beyond the symbolic gesture of handing
it over at the moment of making our profession
or making the promise or commitment peculiar to
each Group?
3. How does being part of the same charismatic
Family become concrete within each Group? Do
real synergies arise between the Groups and with
the other charismatic Families in the local area?
Can more such be generated?
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1.3. The prophecy of being communion in missionary
synodality
The Salesian charism inserts all members into a profound communion
that has value in itself (“from this they will know that you are my
disciples”),25 and in view of the mission (“called in order to be sent”).26
Communion intensifies witness and apostolic charity. Therefore the
Spirit solicits the diversity of charisms and journeying together: a
missionary communion in synodality.
a) Communion and witness
During the course of his life Don Bosco needed everyone – priests,
men, women, laypeople, young people – so that, united, they could carry
out a more fruitful work on behalf of young people and the ordinary
folk. Whoever turned up at the Oratory with a desire to help found the
specific role with which to contribute to the common mission. Thus
our Father, guided by the Spirit, initiated a vast movement of people
who, living in communion with each other, shared his same passion for
the salvation of youth. Don Bosco was inclusive. The intuition of the
importance of unity and shared responsibility in the mission to which
Don Bosco felt called guided his steps since the beginning.
Hence the commitment as a Salesian Family not only to journey
together but to give the world a testimony of communion and unity for
effectiveness in the mission. The sign of communion in love makes first
announcement credible and valuable, everywhere! Jesus said: “I give
you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved
you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you have love for one another’.27 It was said of the first
Christian communities: “See how they love one another”.28
25 Jn 13:35.
26 Mt 10:1,5.
27 Jn 13:34-35.
28 Tertullian. Apologetics, 39.
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This Gospel appeal finds an echo in the Salesian Family Identity
Charter defined as a charismatic and spiritual community,29 called to
live the gift of communion that comes from God,30 and nurtured by
ecclesial communion.31
Communion is the distinctive sign of our being Christians and is built
up through the willingness to let ourselves be inhabited by the Holy
Spirit, who makes us one body and one spirit. Mutual love, communion
that we are able to build between us makes us signs, witnesses, and
prophets.
b) Communion in diversity
The Salesian Family brings together a plurality of specific vocations
united in the same charism. In the richness of the various vocations, the
laity insert themselves in the heart of the world and bear witness to
their faith with consistency in secular activities, while priests proclaim
the Word and carry out their ministerial service; consecrated members
enrich the married with the radical gift of their life to God and their
brothers and sisters, while those who live the sacrament of marriage
offer their testimony as a couple living the Gospel in everyday life;
young people offer the freshness and creativity of their age, while
adults share their experience and wisdom of life.
Communion implies that everyone lives their specific charism enriching
the other with their uniqueness, while allowing themselves to be
enriched by the specific charism of the others.
This diversity is a richness to be valued, by committing ourselves to
know each other better, to mutually appreciate each other, and to
collaborate to be a prophetic, witnessing, and fruitful presence in
the world. This is how young people can see a united Family which
29 Charter of Identity, 3.
30 Charter of Identity, 19.
31 Charter of Identity, 26.
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expresses itself in many specific vocations in which each of them, if
called to be a part of it, can find their place.
c) Communion in synodality for a prophetic mission
One of the ways that best expresses communion in diversity and
journeying together is through the synodal journey, jointly involved in
a mission that has the flavour of prophecy.
This is not about adopting an occasional simple operative procedure,
but of understanding existentially that being Church is journeying
together, that ecclesia and synod are correlated. Journeying synodally
requires, if necessary, changing the way of thinking, listening, relating,
making decisions, acting, supporting each other, evaluating, witnessing,
even structurally.
The first attitude to adopt for journeying together synodally is that of
mutual listening and attention to differences seen as a richness for the
entire Family. This implies a humble attitude that urges us to set aside
our own certainties to listen to the other deeply.
The second step to take is to listen to the world, especially to young
people, their needs and expectations, in order to identify together the
possible responses and any interventions.
But this alone is not enough: it is essential to come together to listen
to the Spirit, who helps us discern the signs of God in the light of his
Word and shows us the paths to follow according to his will.
One discernment dynamic in the synodal Church has been “Conversation
in the Spirit”.32
32 Cf., Instrumentum Laboris of the Synod no.32-42: “In its etymological sense, the term ‘conver-
sation’ does not indicate a generic exchange of ideas,but a dynamic in which the word spoken and
heard generates familiarity, enabling the participants to draw closer to one another. The specifica-
tion ‘in the Spirit’ identifies the authentic protagonist: the desire of those conversing tends towards
listening to His voice, which in prayer opens itself to the free action of the One who, like the wind,
blows where He wills (cf. Jn 3:8). Gradually the conversation between brothers and sisters in faith
opens the space for a ‘hearing together’, that is, a listening together to the voice of the Spirit. It is not
conversation in the Spirit if there is not a step forward in a precise, often unexpected direction that
points to concrete action.”
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Here in summary form are the steps in this dynamic:
1. Personal preparation: entrusting oneself to the Father,
conversing in prayer with the Lord Jesus, and listening to the
Holy Spirit, everyone prepares their contribution on the issue on
which they are called to discern.
2. Speaking up and listening: everyone takes turns starting
from their own experience and their own prayer, and listens
attentively to the contributions of others.
3. Making room for others and the Other: Each one shares, starting
from what others have said, what has resonated most with them
and what has triggered the most resistance in them, letting
themselves be guided by the Holy Spirit.
4. Building together: Dialogue together starting from what emerged
earlier to discern and gather the fruit of the conversation in
the Spirit: recognising insights and convergences; identifying
discrepancies, obstacles, and further questions; letting prophetic
voices emerge, so that everyone can feel represented by the
results of the work (the steps which the Holy Spirit is calling us
together to take).
5. Concluding with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Journeying together as a Family implies mutual accompaniment,
respecting individuals and groups who have received the same
Salesian vocation. Journeying together as a Family implies animating
one another mutually and making our own specific contribution, to
complement and support each other’s richness in order to respond
together to the mission that the Spirit shows us.
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d) Living in missionary communion
“The link which unites the members of our Family is that of a ‘mission
to communion’”.33 It is about living the gift of communion that comes
from God as a form of Incarnation, emotionally and effectively inserting
ourselves among the people with whom we live and operate, in the
various contexts in which our mission takes place.
There can be many expressions of this: from a mindset and a lifestyle
of living and working “for” to a sense of working “with”; from working
“outside” the situation of the young and the poor to a collective
commitment to acting “among”, inserting oneself into the dynamics of
groups and fostering the cooperation of people.
Attitudes can also be enriched through the style of the Church going
forth: from welcoming people into our own places (parishes, schools,
shelters...) to sharing the situations of others by meeting them where
they are. Giving of our time and presence are the simplest and most
concrete way to cultivate communion.
Growing in the spirit of communion with the Lord and with others,
especially with the young and the poor, awakens in us the capacity for
listening and humility, urges us to step out of our comfort zones, leads
us to walk paths of true personal and communal conversion. In other
words, we become cooperators in God’s Work.
33 Charter of Identity, 19, which evokes ChL 32. [Tr: note that the English should really read here:
missionary communion].
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QUESTIONS FOR SHARING
1. Communion in the Salesian Family calls on journeying
together among the Groups and with the Church. Let us
try to verify the quality of the synodal journey within
the Salesian Family in the local area and with the local
Church. Positive aspect, aspects to develop.
2. Let us gain practice in Conversation in the Spirit by
discussing specific situations in the life of our Groups.
Could conversation in the Spirit become an ordinary
dynamic of discernment?
3. What steps need to be taken to grow in missionary
communion, that is integrated into the logic of the
Incarnation, active not only for, but with and among
individuals, fostering their active role?
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1.4. The prophecy of shared mission
Evangelii Gaudium reminds us: “My mission of being in the heart of the
people is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off; it is not an
‘extra’ or just another moment in life. Instead, it is something I cannot
uproot from my being without destroying my very self. I am a mission
on this earth; that is the reason why I am here in this world.”34 Here is a
strong appeal to understand being mission and be so at the heart of the
people. We are invited, therefore, to live the prophecy of shared mission,
made of “unity of spirit and a convergence on the mission”.35
a) All are called and sent, open to God’s novelty
All the members of the Salesian Family, priests, consecrated persons,
and lay people, as baptised individuals, are called and sent into the
world to evangelise, to be light, salt, and leaven through consistent
witness, and to have, in equal measure, responsibility for the growth of
the Kingdom of God on earth.
Even members belonging to non-Christian spiritual traditions or with
different religious beliefs, like many past pupils and friends of Don
Bosco working in the Salesian context, are called to place the human
person at the centre, whose dignity must be protected and promoted in
all its expressions and in all genuinely human values.36
This is a commitment to the development of Salesian humanism that
strives to give meaning to everyday life and to build reasons for hope
and prospects for the future for individuals and society.37
It is an invitation to build relationships of respect and love with
everyone, to recognise oneself as members of the human group among
which one lives, and to discover together and respect those seeds of
new life that open everyone to transcendence.38
34 Pope Francis, EG, 273.
35 Charter of Identity, 39.
36 Charter of Identity, 18.
37 Ibidem.
38 Vatican II, AG 11.
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The Charter of Identity has made us aware that first of all, more than
“doing”, we are called to “be mission” by being active in the various
religious and cultural contexts in which we find ourselves. The diversity
of the various Groups in living the evangelising passion of the mission,
rather than hindering, motivates and encourages the construction of
the Kingdom of God in a common and complementary commitment
animated by the Da mihi animas, caetera tolle.
Together, as the Salesian Family and with other Charismatic Families,
it is possible to continue writing a new page of the evangelisation of
the Church in the world. Let us give free rein to the wind of the Spirit
while not knowing exactly where it will lead us; the plan belongs to
the Lord and we are simply his servants.
b) Shared mission
In recent decades, the term shared mission has been introduced into
ecclesial language.The Charter of Identity,as well as speaking explicitly
of shared formation,39 uses words that point directly to it: exchange
of gifts,40 communion and collaboration in the mission,41 apostolic co-
responsibility,42 methodology for collaboration.43 This is about mission
that concerns all the Groups since the mission is constitutive of our
identity, and it is about mission shared with many lay people and
consecrated individuals who share intensely in the Salesian spirituality
and mission, or are invited to share in it. In fact, a new chapter rich in
hope has begun in the history of the Church and in the relationships
between consecrated individuals and lay people.44
At the foundation of this approach lies an ecclesiology of communion, a
renewed theology of the laity, a rethinking of the relationship between
39 Charter of Identity, 39.
40 Charter of Identity, 10.
41 Charter of Identity, 19.
42 Charter of Identity, 21.
43 Charter of Identity, 41.
44 Cf. Saint John Paul II, VC, 54.
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lay people and religious, a deepening of the mission, a new vision of
the bearers of the charism, and the theological significance of sharing.
Indeed, from a perspective of lay people as simple dependants or
collaborators in the mission we have moved to a conviction that
everyone is called to live out the mission based on the strength of
baptismal consecration and the commitment that arises from it for
every Christian45, thus opening up a new dimension in the relationship
between religious institutes and the lay people who previously
collaborated with them. This is no longer about carrying out a task
or simple collaboration, but of journeying together living the same
mission, committing to a common project.
An additional awareness has led, even, to taking on a vision of shared
mission from a charismatic perspective. All the members of a charismatic
Family are bearers and guarantors of the gift of the Spirit; by virtue
of this, they commit themselves to the common mission according to
their specific vocation. The mission, therefore, can only be a shared
mission in the full sense.
Vatican II clearly stated that “there is in the Church a plurality of
ministers and unity of mission”.46 In the case of the Salesian Family
there is a diversity of Groups with a unity of mission and a common
objective. What allows us to speak of a shared mission is the common
missionary consciousness and the need for cooperative charity.47
Here are some of the consequences of this approach:
„ The call for a constant attention to the signs of the Spirit and a
continuous discernment to respond to the needs of young people
and ordinary folk with the same passion, initiative, and apostolic
creativity as Don Bosco.
45 Cf. Vatican II, LG, 31.
46 Cf. Vatican II, AA, 2.
47 Charter of Identity, 19.
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„ The awareness of being called and sent to carry out the mission
as bearers of the same charism according to the characteristics
and possibilities of each of the Groups.48
„ Communion “in” and “for” the mission strengthens the autonomy
and originality of each Group, generating mutual collaboration
and creating a strong charismatic synergy among them, without
necessarily implying uniformity of commitment, nor participation
in every single initiative in the area.
„ The priority of evangelisation, understood as the proclamation
and testimony of the Gospel that materialises in a variety of
evangelical projects and services, particularly in human promotion
and education.
„ The opening to new forms of collaboration, alliances, or networks
that respect the diversity and specific nature of each one and
strengthen unity, both among the Salesian Family Groups and,
outwardly, with other Charismatic Families and other ecclesial
and social groups, in view of building the Kingdom of God.
c) Change of mentality: metanoia
This process of transformation requires an opening of the mind and
heart, a genuine metanoia, a profound change in mentality. Particularly
necessary is:
„ Coming to the belief that no Group owns the charism, but is simply
a witness. The owner is the Holy Spirit. Therefore, everything to do
with the charism must be reflected on together, as a family. The
points of reference are the Word, the Magisterium and Don Bosco.
The Spirit of God, the signs of the times and the Salesian spirit
must be present in different areas of reflection and decision-
making.
„ Enabling the growth of the charismatic identity of all members
of Salesian Family Groups through shared formation that enables
them to contribute responsibly and creatively to the common
mission.
48 Charter of Identity, 15.
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„ Realising that the shared mission arises spontaneously when
there is awareness of being a Charismatic Family whose members
live as brothers and sisters thanks to the Spirit.
„ Practising the concrete method of analysing reality used by Don
Bosco from the moment he visited the prison in Turin: a) observe,
make contact with reality to be sensitised; b) reflect (through
study, prayer, and spiritual guidance) to understand; c) decide to
transform.
„ Working in a network and in a complementary way among the
different Groups to reach youth in need with a credible Salesian
service that is true to the situations and needs in which we find
ourselves.
„ Adapting the structures of animation and accompaniment to the
reality of an extended pastoral subject (educative and pastoral
community, educating communities) in which all their members
are necessary and complementary. Consecrated individuals and lay
people together is in itself a testimony of missionary communion.
d) Shared and participative methodology
A correct shared mission does not just happen. We find its point of
reference in the pedagogy used by God with his people, and by Jesus
with his disciples. Essential elements are required, which we find listed
in the Charter of Identity:49
„ Forming together: thinking together, working together, praying
together
„ Being educated and growing through project sharing
„ Implementing approaches to coordination
„ Submitting to reciprocity
„ Accepting shared responsibility
„ Achieving joint formation
49 Charter of Identity, 39 and 41.
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The Salesian and Church situation today makes us understand how
necessary it is to transform our mindset and even make structural
changes regarding our way of thinking, listening to each other, relating
to each other, acting, and witnessing the charism together, synodally,
journeying towards a shared mission.
The challenge is to promote a culture of the Salesian Family where one
is educated, prays, works together, creating significant experiences of
living together, spirituality, fraternity, and collaboration in common
projects in the local area, respecting each one’s specific vocation.
QUESTIONS FOR SHARING
1. What motivations does this text offer to characterise the
shared mission as a true prophecy for our time? Can we
add additional ones?
2. What conditions are suggested for developing a spirit of
shared mission? What elements of a participatory and
shared methodology are already in place among us?
Which ones need to be developed more?
3. Can we decide to take some steps to strengthen our
particular prophecy of shared mission? Can we start some
meaningful projects for young people?
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PART TWO
STRUCTURES OF ANIMATION
AND ACCOMPANIMENT
The family spirit climate at Valdocco reaches its deepest levels
when the processes of animation and spiritual accompaniment
touch the heart, in a mutual giving and receiving that launches
the mission and shed light on the way of living the service
to which some are called for the good
of the Salesian Family as a whole.
To ensure regular and effective animation and accompaniment
within the Salesian Family, we have at our disposal some
coordinating bodies, essential initiatives,
and meeting opportunities, and we are supported
by the service of delegates, spiritual animators,
assistants, and other qualified individuals.
The delegates are people who, in the Salesian practice of
discernment that is special to the Leaders of each Group,
have been called to carry out a service and generously offer
themselves to take it on for the good
of the Groups and the entire Salesian Family.
In this exercise of discernment by Leaders,
the members of the Salesian Family highlight
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2.1. Preface
2.1.1. The rich and complex reality of the Salesian Family
Attentive reflection on the Charter of Charismatic Identity of the Salesian
Family reveals the rich charismatic and ecclesial reality and at the
same time its complexity.
„ Rich in terms of the number of groups, members, and participants,
but above all for the quality of the values it contains (spirituality),
for the apostolic energy that drives it (mission), for the spirit of
family that characterises it (communion).
„ Charismatic insofar as it is shaped by the Spirit of God in the heart
of Don Bosco and accompanied by the maternal mediation of Mary
to respond to the hopes of the young and the ordinary people.
„ Ecclesial inasmuch as it is aimed at the common good of the
Church: “as in the past [the Spirit] sent Don Bosco to the young
and to the working classes, in the course of history he continues to
send his spiritual sons and daughters to perpetuate the apostolate
to the young, the working classes and the missions”50 in and for
the Church at the service of the Gospel.51
„ It is complex due to the various aspects to be considered
in its description: charismatic, spiritual, pedagogical, legal,
organisational.....
QUESTIONS FOR SHARING
1. Can we say that we have a deep understanding of the
Groups officially recognised as belonging to the Salesian
Family, especially those present in the areas closest to
us? Can we consider taking further steps in communion,
formation and shared mission in addition to knowledge?
50 Charter of Identity, 14.
51 Cf. Charter of Identity, 14 and 17.
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2.1.2. We speak of animation
“Animation in its original meaning it is contrasted with the imposition
of external force. It designates the inner energy and activity of the soul,
which gives life, harmony, growth and cohesion to all the parts of a
living organism.”52
Animation, then, is fundamentally concerned with the quality of all
words and actions which should aim at the seeds of life, at the energy
that sustains the steps of individual and collective growth, at rooting
this process in the being of individuals and groups.
In the Salesian Family, the animation style must seek to strengthen
people’s interiority, to instil enthusiasm for life, to restore the courage
to hope or to help discover reasons for improvement, to revitalise the
heart and open up to hope.
We are talking about a way of speaking and acting that always appeals
to inner motivations, and seeks to bring out the best in people through
persuasion, suggestion, encouragement, and, above all, through deep
respect and consistency, and by seeking to nurture a personal and
vital relationship with Christ, the only Saviour, and with Mary who
anticipates and accompanies the most difficult phases of the journey.
There are two specific characteristics of animation: the kind of
relationship that is established with people (communication,
exchange, affection, deep communion); and the way of understanding
this animation process (it is about doing “with” rather than doing “for”).
It is a style of expressing ourselves; not so much a methodology, but
the clear manifestation of the essence of individuals, what ultimately
the Spirit gives to each one “for the growth of the community”53 and
that drives them to be salt, “light and leaven”.54 For the members of the
52 GC SDB 21, 46.
53 1 Cor 14:12.
54 Mt 5:13-14;13,33.
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Salesian Family, it is an authentic gift of the Spirit of the Creator God
of new life, in which “we are, we move, we live”.55
QUESTION FOR SHARING
1. Let us try to evaluate the quality of processes and
attitudes in the animation of the Salesian Family in our
local area: Which ones have we prioritised, and which
ones should be courageously begun to ensure the growth
of the Groups and their members?
2.1.3. We speak of accompaniment
Accompaniment means being companions on the journey, with the
level of solidarity that comes from sharing bread, from cum-panis, and
from the echoes that arise in the heart of a Salesian. Accompaniment
and Salesian familiarity are almost synonymous. They are words that
emphasise relationships of unconditional acceptance, closeness, true
friendship, genuine interest in others, even at a deeply human and
spiritual level.
Salesian spiritual accompaniment as a process where “there is an
inherent complementarity between personal accompaniment and
community accompaniment.”56
55 Acts 17:28.
56 Cf. Synod of the Young 95.
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Like Don Bosco, the accompaniment within the members of the
Salesian Family must develop a process of human and spiritual
accompaniment through the environment and individual relationships.
It is not limited to a one to one encounter. It keeps a splendid balance
between a healthy and mature environment, between individuals and
Groups, and individual encounters. There are formal moments (group
meetings, retreats, liturgical life, formation, life review... and also
meetings between the guide and the one being accompanied), and
there will be many informal opportunities (the typical word in the ear
whispered by Don Bosco, virtual contacts, opportunities offered by the
environment...).
The whole process of spiritual accompaniment takes place preferably
within a faith community (such as groups, Christian communities...),
open to the action of grace and the Holy Spirit. Regular and structured
activity is very fruitful, but without the various informal interventions
and the environmental support of the community, the effectiveness
of the mentoring would be reduced, if not compromised. Overall we
are talking about a holistic practice. The experience of the Salesian
Family, with its natural family spirit, offers valuable opportunities for a
mutual, serious, and profound accompaniment. A real challenge for all
the Groups and members that deserves to be noticed and addressed.
QUESTION FOR SHARING
1. Let us try to evaluate the quality of the processes and
attitudes of the accompaniment of the Salesian Family in
the local area: Which ones have we prioritised, and which
need to be courageously initiated to ensure the growth of
the Groups and their members?
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2.1.4. The service of animation and accompaniment in the
Salesian Family
A gift of the Spirit, like that of the Salesian Family of Don Bosco, offered
to the Church and, through it, to society, demands to be welcomed,
developed, shared, lived, made available, cared for... with fidelity, a
dynamic and responsible fidelity.
Indeed, despite natural human limitations but with a passion for the
gift received, the efforts of many have produced, over the years, a deeper
understanding of the richness of the charism and a development of
methods of animation and accompaniment that have brought many
fruits.
Every Group, within itself, carries out a service of animation and
formation,as well as,in the relationships between Groups,in communion
with respect for the charism of each one. In this way, mutual animation
of the Family is experienced which is made of collaboration, support,
encouragement, and the sharing of each one’s specific gifts. The service
of animation and accompaniment, therefore, is experienced in deep
communion with everyone and among everyone.
In this context however, we need to highlight that the Salesian
Congregation has some special responsibilities for animation”:
“Together with these groups [founded by Don Bosco] and with others born
later we make up the Salesian Family. Within this family, by the will of the
Founder, we have particular responsibilities: to preserve unity of spirit and
to foster dialogue and fraternal collaboration for our mutual enrichment
and greater apostolic effectiveness”.57 “The Rector Major, Superior of the
Salesian Society, is the successor of Don Bosco, the father and the centre of
unity of the Salesian Family”.58
The Charter of Identity, also, in specifying how the Salesians assume
the responsibility of animation within the Salesian Family as a
57 C. SDB, 5.
58 C. SDB, 126 .
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whole, emphasises: “they carry out a service which does not belong to
the authority of government, but to the humble and joyful dedication
of one who promotes a path of fidelity to the gift received, fostering its
communication, sharing and realisation”.59
QUESTION FOR SHARING
1. Let us try to make a more all-embracing evaluation
regarding the quality of the animation and accompaniment
service in the Salesian Family thinking about
„ all the members and groups;
„ the individuals who have a specific role in this
field: strengths, aspects to be taken care of, possible
methods and initiatives that help to strengthen this
service.
59 Charter of Identity, 45.
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2.2. World level bodies or structures
2.2.1. The Word Advisory Council
a) Nature
The World Advisory Council is a meeting of the World Leaders of the
officially recognised Salesian Family Groups with the Rector Major.
The Leader (or a delegate) accompanied by a member of their Council
participate in it, as well as the World Delegates of the Rector Major at
the service of the Groups. Other people may also be invited.
b) Objectives
The Advisory Council meeting aims to promote the following
objectives:60
„ Study and gain a deeper understanding of the figure of Don Bosco,
his life, his pedagogy, his spirituality in order to know, understand,
and to better embrace his apostolic project and his criteria for
pastoral action.
„ Strengthen the sense of belonging, encouraging direct and
concrete knowledge of the different groups within the Family and
valuing their specific identity.
„ Propose meetings and formation experiences in common.
„ Understand the pastoral challenges of society and the Church in
which the Salesian Family operates, studying potential pastoral
synergies, according to the specific nature of individual groups,
and in communion with the same Salesian mission.
„ Seek to implement, whenever possible, concrete apostolic
initiatives shared by all the groups in the area.
The World Advisory Council ordinarily meets once a year and proposes
to the Rector Major essential guidelines for animation for the following
pastoral year concerning the Strenna, spiritual retreat days, and any
60 Charter of Identity, 46.
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other suggestions. Leaders of Groups are also involved in the drafting
of any documents concerning the entire Salesian Family.
2.2.2. Secretariat for the Salesian Family
a) Nature
The Secretariat for the Salesian Family is a body of animation, formation,
and coordination established by GC2761 and directly dependent on the
Rector Major, the Successor of Don Bosco and Centre of unity of the
entire Family, in accordance with article 108 of the SDB Regulations.
Its purpose is to be at the service of the Rector Major for the animation
and accompaniment of the Salesian Family and promote communion
among the various Groups belonging to it, respecting their specific
nature and autonomy.
The Secretariat assists the Rector Major and the Salesians, “heirs of
his charismatic richness who have the responsibility of animating the
whole of the Salesian Family”,62 that is,“to preserve unity of spirit and to
foster dialogue and fraternal collaboration for our mutual enrichment
and greater apostolic fruitfulness.”63
The Charter of Charismatic Identity of the Salesian Family is the
fundamental frame of reference.
b) Members of the Secretariat
The Secretariat is made up of the following members, appointed by the
Rector Major.
„ The central Delegate of the Rector Major64 for the Salesian Family;
61 Cf. Regulations approved by the Rector Major and his Council on 21 October 2021, after the re-
vision of the experimental Regulations of 29 January 2015, in which the Central Secretariat for the
Salesian Family was established, directly dependent on the Rector Major in accordance with article
108 of the SDB Regulations decided in GC27 (Cf. AGC, 418, 79).
62 Charter of Identity, 45.
63 C. SDB, 5.
64 R. SDB, 108.
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„ SDB confreres who have roles in animating the Salesian Family
Groups for which the Salesian Congregation has charismatic
responsibility:
– the RM’s Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators;
– the RM’s Delegate for the Past Pupils of Don Bosco;
– the Spiritual Animator for the Association of Mary Help of
Christians;
– the Central Assistant for the Volunteers of Don Bosco;
– the Central Assistant for the CDB Volunteers;
– the Postulator General for the Causes of Saints;
„ four members of the Salesian Family Advisory Council among
whom, at the wish of the Rector Major, an FMA chosen by the
Mother General.
c) Tasks
The fundamental tasks of the Secretariat are:
„ To collaborate in the development of the six-year project of the
Rector Major with his Council regarding the Secretariat.
„ To develop the annual work plan and the corresponding economic
estimate (budget).
„ To offer the Rector Major the necessary guidelines to ensure the
fruitfulness of the charism in every Group and in the Salesian
Family as a whole.65
„ To accompany the Groups in gaining understanding of the Charter
of Charismatic Identity and in becoming aware that the Salesian
Family must become “a vast movement of people who, in various
ways, work for the salvation of the young”.66
„ To engage with the most suitable means of animation and
formation for a conscious and vibrant development of the
Salesian Family, with particular attention to the youthful, popular,
and missionary mission in the most needy environments.
65 Cf. Charter of Identity, 13.
66 C. SDB, 5.
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„ To animate and involve the various Groups in the worldwide
activities concerning the entire Salesian Family: the World
Advisory Council, Spirituality Days, international Congresses of
Mary Help of Christians, regional meetings, formation programs...
„ To foster, in agreement with the Postulation for the Causes of
Saints, the knowledge and internalisation of Salesian holiness as
a call to live the apostolic spirituality characteristic of the Salesian
Family.
„ To take care of the necessary communication regarding the
Salesian Family through the media and periodically inform the
leaders of the different Groups about the decisions and activities
of the Secretariat.
„ To be involved, as far as possible, in any requests made by the
Rector Major.
2.2.3. The central Delegate of the Rector Major for the
Salesian Family
a) Nature
This role is described in the SDB Regulations: “For areas of particular
importance which do not form part of the duties assigned by the
Constitutions to individual Councillors, appropriate central secretariats
may be set up depending directly on the Rector Major.The establishment
of such secretariats belongs to the General Chapter. Their immediate
responsibility is entrusted to a central delegate who is appointed by the
Rector Major with the consent of his Council and remains ad nutum.”67
b) Tasks
His basic tasks are:68
„ To present to the Rector Major and the General Council the
relevant section of the six-year project, the annual work plan, and
67 R. SDB, 108.
68 Cf. Regulations of the Secretariat (21 October 2021).
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the budget concerning the Secretariat and the SDB Team for their
approval.
„ To annually inform the Rector Major and his Council about the
implementation of the Secretariat’s work plan and the SDB Team, and
with regard to the progress of the Salesian Family.
„ To represent the Rector Major, at his request, in any congregational,
ecclesial and civil events where the Salesian Family is required to
be involved.
„ To call the Secretariat together at least four time a year to study,
analyse, plan, and verify the progress of the Salesian Family.
„ To coordinate the projects and activities of the members of the
SDB Delegates Team.
„ To participate in reflection and interaction with Sector Councillors
so as to highlight the Salesian Family dimension in the overall
animation and governance of the Congregation.
„ To schedule meetings with the Salesians in initial formation, in
agreement with the Formation Councillor, to cultivate in those
being formed the sense of belonging to the Salesian Family and the
charismatic responsibility towards it.
„ To coordinate the Salesian Family World Advisory Council and
Spirituality Days.
„ To make the documents of the Salesian Family known to individual
Groups and promote aids and publications related to it.
„ To take part in Team Visits, regional meetings of Provincials in
agreement with Regional Councillors, and to be available for
animation visits.
„ To take up any other task that the Rector Major wishes to assign
him.
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2.2.4. Councillors, Delegates, Animators at world level
a) Nature
We are talking about two kinds of people:
„ People elected or appointed as envisaged by the Constitutions,
Regulations, or Statutes of the Groups for the service of the
animation of the Salesian Family within their own Group.
„ People whom the Leaders of some groups request of the Rector
Major or the Mother General of the FMA for a group accompaniment
service.
b) Tasks of the first-mentioned kind
„ To contribute to keeping alive in the Group the sense of belonging
to the Salesian Family and nurturing collaborative relationships
with other Groups.
„ To promote communication exchanges between regional and
local leaders regarding the life of the Salesian Family.
„ To provide any guidance to the regional, provincial, or local
delegates of their own Group.
„ To accompany the members of one’s own Group with roles of
responsibility.
„ To promote potential initiatives for:
– fostering a deeper understanding of the spiritual heritage of
the Salesian Family;
– identifying and proposing potential forms of collaboration at
various levels.
„ To keep one’s Group informed of important events of Salesian life.
„ To promote a deeper understanding of Don Bosco’s charism and
that of one’s own Founder.
„ To promote with the Group knowledge of the various SF Groups.
„ To participate in the meetings of the central bodies of the Salesian
Family, offering collaboration according to the specific charism.
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c) Tasks of the second-mentioned kind
„ To deeply understand the identity and characteristics specific to
the Group he or she is accompanying.
„ To represent the Congregation or the Institute of the Daughters
of Mary Help of Christians (in the case of Groups linked to them
according to the Constitutions and agreements between both
institutions) within the Group’s bodies, and contribute to keeping
alive the sense of belonging to the Salesian Family.
„ To be available to the Leaders of Groups regarding spirituality and
the formation of their members in accordance with their roles of
animation.
„ To accompany regional delegates/animators/assistants and
provide them with any necessary animation aids.
„ To participate in the most significant moments in the life of the
Group (councils, assemblies, congresses...).
„ To keep in regular contact with the Rector Major’s Central Delegate
for the Salesian Family.
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2.3. Bodies or structures for the local area
2.3.1 The Provincial Advisory Council
a) Nature
The Provincial Advisory Council for the Salesian Family69 is an institutional
expression of the charismatic unity of the various Groups in the area
covered by the SDB Province. It is a place for promoting communion
among various groups and ensuring the development of the Salesian
charism. It is the privileged meeting place for dialogue and common
reflection. It becomes an effective tool for the planning and review of
common initiatives, and a means to strengthen the vocation ministry
and pastoral action of each of the Groups.
b) Objectives
Among the main objectives of the Salesian Family Provincial Advisory
Council, the following should be noted:
„ Strengthen the sense of belonging of the members of the Groups
in the SDB provincial territory, communion among them, and their
specific identity.
„ Reflect on the educational and pastoral challenges of the territory
and see how to act as a Salesian Family, or how to share initiatives
with other church and civil groups.
„ Develop (and revise in due course) the Salesian Family’s provincial
animation plan.
„ Study and gain deeper understanding of the figure of Don Bosco
and of the most relevant figures, especially of holiness, of the
Salesian tradition who have had a special relationship with the
area.
„ Organise meetings and experiences of formation and common
prayer (retreats, days, moments of prayer, celebrations).
69 Cf. AGC SDB, 392.
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„ Undertake any common missionary projects in the territory
(for example: attention to families in difficulty, promotion of
volunteering, work for the poorest, spiritual accompaniment,
caring for our “common home”, collaboration with parishes in
need, joint vocational accompaniment...).
In short, it is a matter of finding a way to achieve what is indicated in
the Charter of Identity to “think together, work together, pray together”
in a climate of communion, collaboration and shared responsibility,
respecting the specific charism of each Group.
c) Organisation
Below are some indications for organising the Advisory Council, which
in any case must be adapted to the characteristics of each Province:
Members of it by right:
– The SDB Provincial and his Delegate for the Salesian Family.
– The FMA Provincial and her Provincial Delegate.
– Those responsible for the various Groups in the area.
Any members to invite
– A representative of other potential Groups who, with a clear
Salesian spirit, have a significant commitment in the area.
– The SDB and FMA Provincial Delegates for YM.
– Other Provincial Delegates for individual Groups.
Frequency
A minimum of three meetings per year is recommended. The number
of initiatives or the need to reflect on common issues may make it
advisable to hold a few more meetings.
Animation of the Advisory Council
„ The animation of the Provincial Advisory Council is part of the
service of the Provincial carried out in communion with the Rector
Major. The coordination of the Advisory Council is entrusted to his
delegate.
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Relationships in the Advisory Council
„ These are, in the first instance, relationships of communion and
spirituality in order to engage in a shared mission with the same
charism, respecting the identity of each Group. In this regard,
relationships with those responsible for Formation, Youth Ministry,
Social Communication, and, in a particular way with the spiritual
and vocational accompaniment team are desirable.
„ It is also desirable to establish relationships with the relevant
ecclesial and civil authorities.
Other organisational details
„ Determine the length of term of office in the Advisory Council
for the people who are part of it. Some members will remain in
office as long as they have a service role in their Group. For others,
it is prudent to specify a specific period, ensuring a reasonable
continuity of the processes initiated.
„ Appoint a secretary who, in addition to the meeting minutes,
should keep a record and memory of the activities and take care
of communication.
d) Particular situations
„ Provinces that are divided into zones for regular animation, or
whose area includes different nations: it is desirable to foresee
delegates for each zone or each nation, who will act in harmony
with the project and with the provincial delegate.
„ Provinces in which the territorial boundaries of the Groups do not
coincide: it is desirable to find the most convenient procedures
that can ensure the Advisory Council’s objectives.
„ Countries with different provinces: it is desirable that they
establish supra-provincial bodies for the entire Salesian Family
as well as for specific Groups, such as national councils or similar.
„ Broader geographical areas (such as Regions or Conferences): it
is desirable to establish a coordinating body (e.g. Provincial as
reference person, Coordinator, Regional Council or similar).
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2.3.2. The Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family as a
whole
a) Nature and appointment
The Provincial represents Don Bosco in the areas covered by his
Province. His is a service that he carries out “In imitation of Christ and
in his name , according to the spirit of Don Bosco.” He shared “in one
and the same authority and exercises it in communion with the Rector
Major”.70 Therefore he is the father and centre of unity for the Salesian
Family in the area covered by his Province. Precisely because of this
he has concrete tasks concerning the Salesian Family: “sensitising”
his confreres, and “promoting the sense of belonging to a common
vocation” of the various Groups.71
In order to carry out this important function, the Congregation indicates
that he can be “assisted by one of his delegates”,72 a Salesian or lay
person. He/she is appointed with the consent of their own Council and
with the expectation of a reasonable continuity of service, in order
to create adequate collaboration with any other delegates and to
promote a deep communion among all the leaders of the Groups in
the provincial area.
b) Areas of service and tasks
With regard to Salesians in the Province the Delegate
„ Acts in harmony with the Provincial and his council.
„ Promotes the sense of belonging of confreres to the Salesian
Family, their knowledge and their commitment; guarantees the
information on provincial or worldwide initiatives; prepares and
facilitates formation content; assists local delegates, promotes a
deeper understanding of the Charter of Identity.
70 C. SDB, 121-122.
71 R. SDB, 147.
72 R. SDB, 36, 147.
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„ Works in a team with the other local delegates of the Province
based on the geographic configuration of the Province.
„ Maintains a close relationship with the delegates (or teams) for
Youth Ministry, Formation and Social Communication to ensure an
overview of the Salesian Family in their sectors and an overview
of other sectors in the Salesian Family, and to promote shared
initiatives, especially concerning youth.
„ Ensures the development and implementation of the animation
project of the Salesian Family in the Province in harmony with
the project resulting from the Advisory Council and with other
fundamental documents of the Province (Directory, OPP, etc.).
„ Accompanies local communities in animation of the local Salesian
Family in harmony with the local Advisory Council.
„ Encourages reflection and the exchange of experiences and best
practices.
With regard to the Salesian Family Provincial Advisory Council the Delegate
„ Ensures, in agreement with the Provincial, the establishment and
functioning of the Provincial Advisory Council in the spirit of its
nature and its objectives.
„ Engages with the most appropriate means to create a spirit
of apostolic harmony in discernment, maximum consensus in
decision-making, and practical cooperation in implementing the
guidelines and projects.
„ Coordinate the moments of the Salesian Family as a whole with
the collaboration of the Group leaders (days, holidays, celebrations,
retreats...).
„ Work with the teams that may eventually form within the Advisory
Council.
„ Ensures the visibility, present and involvement of the Salesian
Family in the area.
„ Accompanies the operation of local Advisory Councils as necessary.
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With regard to Leaders of Salesian Family Groups in the area the Delegate
„ Sees to relationships and contacts while respecting the identity
and autonomy of each Group.
„ PromotesinalltheGroupsadeepsenseofFamily,mutualknowledge,
and helps to shed light on or see to a deeper understanding of the
common spiritual and apostolic characteristics.
„ Encourages participation of all the Groups in common reflection,
common planning, and common mission.
With regard to regional or world organisations (Delegates, Secretariat…)
the Delegate
„ Maintains regular contact with the SDB reference person for the
Salesian Family in his region, with the Delegate of the Rector
Major, and with the other World Delegates of the Groups.
„ Takes an active part in meetings of regional or world Delegates
online or in person.
„ Contribute to reflection on topics of common interest for the
region or for the entire Salesian Family.
2.3.3. Provincial Delegates (or the like) for each Group in
the area
a) Nature and appointment
These are the individuals asked by the Leaders of their Groups to
be the reference points for the Salesian Family in their Group at the
Provincial level. (Eg: FMA Provincial Delegate, ASC Provincial Councillor,
VDB regional Councillor…). They are appointed in accordance with the
Regulations or Statutes of their respective Groups.
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b) Tasks
Some of their tasks among others are to:
„ Raise awareness among the members of their Group about their
sense of belonging to the Family.
„ Promote within the Group a deeper appreciation of Salesian
Identity and spirituality, especially by the members in formation.
„ Inform Group members about the initiatives of the Salesian Family
in the area.
„ Maintain fraternal contacts with other Groups.
„ Collaborate with their Leaders in the reflection of the Provincial
(or zonal) Advisory Council about the situation in the area to plan
interventions in synergy with all the Groups in the area.
„ Collaborate in initiatives of the Salesian Family in the area:
common formation, vocation ministry, congresses... involving the
members of one’s own Group.
„ Encourage, in agreement with the Advisory Council, the joint
formation and mission in the Groups, where each one can offer
the richness of their own specific nature (skills, experiences...).
„ Any other tasks requested of them by their Leaders.
2.3.4. The Delegates that the Groups ask SDB or FMA
bodies for to accompany their Group
2.3.4.1. The Provincial Delegate for the ASC
a) Nature and appointment
This person is the delegate of the Provincial for the Salesian
Cooperators in the area covered by his/her Province. Provincial
Delegates are appointed by their Provincials after consulting their
respective Provincial Coordinator; however, the legal responsibility of
the Association lies with the Provincial.
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b) Tasks
„ Represent the respective Provincials in the Association.
„ Collaborate with the person in the province responsible for
formation, offering their service of spiritual, educational, and
pastoral guidance to promote a more effective apostolate of the
Salesian Cooperators with regard to young people.
„ Encourage local delegates to support taking responsibility
related to their task of spiritual animation of the ASC and shared
responsibility in their Salesian apostolic formation.
„ Promote formation and update activities for all Delegates of the
Province, open to the participation of leaders of the Association.
„ Encourage the Councils to responsibly exercise their organisational
autonomy by being in charismatic communion with the Society of
St Francis de Sales and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary
Help of Christians.
„ Respect at all times the duties of the Coordinator and their own
Council, without taking on responsibilities that do not correspond
to their functions.
„ Be a full and active part by right of the respective Council, ensure
the “secure and stable bond of union” with the Salesian spirit, and
share the charismatic and spiritual experience of the Founder.
„ Maintain contacts with the Provincial Delegate for the Salesian
Family, and the Delegates for Youth Ministry, Formation, and Social
Communication to promote shared experiences.
2.3.4.2. Provincial Animator for ADMA
a) Nature and appointment
This person is the Provincial Delegate for ADMA. The person is
known as the spiritual animator; in the case of priests they are also
the pastoral and sacramental guide. Both are appointed by their
Provincials, however, the legal responsibility of the Association lies
with the Provincial.
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b) Tasks
„ Represent their respective provincials in the bodies of the
Association.
„ Ensure the Salesian Marian dimension in the life of the Provinces
through the most appropriate means of formation and animation,
and the tools of animation of the Association.
„ Make known the special nature of devotion to Mary Help of
Christians and promote the Association.
„ Accompany the Association’s Provincial Council, of which they
are a part, in carrying out its functions while respecting the
lay character and autonomy of the Group, making themselves
available for the spiritual growth of its members.
„ Collaborate in the development of the ADMA provincial programme
in harmony with the Salesian Family provincial project or plan.
„ Work in coordination with the SDBs and FMAs who accompany
and animate ADMA in their respective communities.
„ Ensure the formation and spirituality of the aspirants and all
members of ADMA.
„ Pay attention to the local ADMA associations that belong to non-
Salesian parishes and accompany their spiritual animators.
„ Collaborate actively with the Salesian Family Delegate and
participate in the activities at provincial level that require it.
„ Promote the charismatic communion of ADMA with other groups
of the Salesian Family, especially with the Salesians of Don Bosco
and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
„ Help the Provincial secretariat in obtaining the essential
documentation of each centre (Decree of foundation and Certificate
of aggregation) and, if necessary, initiate the aggregation link with
the Primary ADMA and the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians of
the centres not yet aggregated or of new ones.
„ Maintain regular contact with the World Animator and participate
in the online meetings organised by the Primary ADMA.
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2.3.4.3. Provincial Delegate for the PP-DB
a) Nature and appointment
This person is the Delegate of the Provincial for Past Pupils, male and
female, in the area covered by the Province. He or she is the guarantor of
fidelity of the assassination with the spirit of Don Bosco. The individual
is appointed by the Provincial in consultation with the President of the
EXA-DB for a term of six years.
b) Tasks
„ Represent the Provincial in the Association in his main task as
spiritual animator of the Association.
„ Help communities, all called to give life to their local Union, to
“maintain friendly relations with the past pupils, giving special
attention to the younger ones,... and promote opportunities for
meetings, formation and collaboration”73 even if they can only rely
on a committed and responsible core group.
„ Establish contact with Past Pupils until becoming their spiritual
companion.
„ Be part of the governing and executive bodies with the role of
advising and supporting the past pupils, valuing and ensuring the
leadership of lay people.74
„ Participate in the planning and coordination of formation activities
for the members of the Association with the aim of taking on their
own responsibilities in their lives and promoting the social values
indicated by the Statutes of the Confederation.
„ Be responsible for the animation and accompaniment of the
Association, especially where the past pupil situation is not yet
consolidated.
„ Help the confreres, starting with the formation houses, to
understand the importance and potential of the Past Pupils
73 R. SDB 39.
74 Statutes EXA – DB, 14e.
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Movement and to learn, through direct study and contacts with
members of the Association, their feelings, their organisation, and
their activities.
„ Ensure the presence of the Past Pupils in local and provincial
Advisory Councils and their valuable collaboration in the projects
of the Salesian work and its mission in the area.
„ See to publication of formation materials, spiritual and cultural
animation for Past Pupils, especially for the leaders, in accordance
with their respective Presidencies.
„ Involve young Past Pupils particularly (GEX) in the life of the
association aiming like Don Bosco at the “virtuous Salesian
charismatic chain” which works “for” and “with” the young:
promoting their integration into the Salesian Youth Movement in
agreement with those responsible for Youth Ministry, nurturing
the mutual relationship between GEX and the Salesian Youth
Movement, opening the GEX movement as the natural outlet for
young leaders and volunteers who desire it.
2.3.4.4. Federal and Local Delegates for the EXA - FMA
a) Nature and appointment
The represent the FMA Provincial in the animation and formation
accompaniment of the Association, in line with the charism, living and
proposing the values inherent in the Salesian spirituality of Mornese.
In the situations where it is deemed appropriate, they can be assisted
by a lay figure, selected from among the associates and appointed by
the Provincial.
The federal and local Delegates are appointed by the FMA Provincial.
b) Tasks
„ Inform the Provincial/Superior on the life of the Association both
for the Federation and Union.
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„ Encourage connection and dialogue between the Association and
the Province/community
„ Promote communion among the members of the federal or
local council, fostering mutual respect and deepening personal
relationships.
„ Support shared responsibility and the spirit of initiative of the
councillors.
„ Collaborate with the President for the formation of Federation/
Union leaders.
„ Maintain contacts with the Confederal Delegate and with the
delegates of the Unions and provide guidance for their service.
„ Promote the autonomy of the Association in communion.
„ Participate in the meetings of the Salesian Family and the Church
and civil organisations to which the Association belongs.
2.3.4.5. The Ecclesial Assistant of the Volunteers of Don Bosco
(VDB)
a) Nature and appointment
So as to live in harmony with the SF, by virtue of the common Salesian
vocation, the VDBs have asked the Rector Major for spiritual assistance
at all levels, to be agreed upon with their respective superiors. This
service is provided by an Ecclesiastical Assistant who offers his priestly,
formative, and accompanying service.
The regional assistant is appointed by the Rector Major upon the
proposal of the Central Ecclesiastical Assistant, after hearing the
opinion of the Provincial and the Regional Council of the VDB, for a
six-year term.
The local assistant is appointed by the provincial of the provincial area
in which the group is located, for a term of three years, after hearing
the opinion of the relevant local Council and the Regional Assistant.
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b) Tasks
The regional assistant
„ Takes part in sessions of the Regional Council to offer a contribution
on formation issues.
„ Takes part in discussions, expresses an opinion, but without
authority or jurisdictional power in the region and without the
right to vote.
„ Is present, as far as possible, in all the formative moments of the
Region.
„ Coordinates the activity of the various local Ecclesiastical
Assistants.
„ Proposes the appointment of local Ecclesiastical Assistants to
the competent Salesian Province for the region, having heard the
opinion of the relevant local Council.
The local assistant
„ Helps the VDB (Volunteers of Don Bosco) live their consecration
intensely according to the spirit of the Institute, by offering his
Salesian priestly ministry during the monthly recollection day and
is available for the spiritual assistance of the sisters.
„ Participates in meetings of the local Council concerning the
initial and ongoing formation of the sisters: is concerned with the
formation of the aspirants, in agreement with the local Delegate
for Formation; follows the formation of the temporary consecrated
sisters, in agreement with the local Leader; is responsible for the
ongoing formation of the sisters in collaboration with the Leader
and her Council
„ Participates, as far as possible, in all the formative moments of the
group/subgroup and the Region (seminars, fraternity days).
„ Engage particularly on three fronts: priestly presence,
accompaniment presence, and fraternal presence.
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The Assistant in subgroups tied to the Centre, is also concerned with:
„ Encouraging every aspirant to take responsibility for their own
formation through faithful and active participation in meetings,
and create, as far as possible, the conditions for the subgroup to
become a group.
„ Developing, at the beginning of the year, with the competent
central councillor, the formation plan for the year and preparing a
report at the end on the programme followed and the initiatives
carried out with the corresponding evaluation.
„ Attending to matters concerning the stages of the aspirantate, first
profession, and temporary profession: presenting to the President
General, within the established deadlines, the duly motivated
requests from the Volunteers or any extensions, and send the
required documents to the Central Secretariat.
„ Presenting the President General any requests for exceptions for
admissions and the reasons for any candidate withdrawals.
2.3.4.6. The Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Volunteers With
Don Bosco (CDB)
a) Nature and appointment
“With their spiritual assistance, the Salesian Congregation with its
spiritual patrimony and apostolic richness becomes for us a living
fount and stimulus for our fidelity to the charism”.75
“The Central Ecclesiastical Assistant is appointed by the Rector Major
ad nutum having heard the opinion of the Moderator General.” “The
Local Ecclesiastical Assistant is appointed by the Provincial at the
request of the Moderator General. The appointment normally lasts
three years and can be renewed ad nutum”.76
75 C. CDB, 38.
76 R. CDB, 45-46.
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b) Tasks
„ To be a guarantor of the spirit of Don Bosco on behalf of the
Congregation and act as a bridge between the community and
the Institute.
„ To act in service of the specific identity of the CDB, promoting
fidelity to the Salesian mission and their charism.
„ Engage with those responsible for formation in the formation
process of the brothers: discernment and initial formation stage,
temporary vows stage, ongoing formation stage.
„ To offer his priestly ministry: service of the Word and Eucharist;
availability for Reconciliation and spiritual accompaniment;
retreats; counselling.
„ To work within a network of shared responsibility while respecting
the autonomy and roles of others, and offering one’s own expertise.
„ To participate in council meetings with the right to speak but not
to vote.
„ To maintain relationships with the Central Assistant who
coordinates the services and activities of the Local Assistants.
2.3.4.7. The Spiritual Councillor of the Dame Salesiane (ADS)
a) Nature and appointment
The Association considers the importance of the figure of the Spiritual
Councillor as an animator of the charism of pastoral charity lived with a
Salesian spirit. It establishes the role of the general spiritual councillor
appointed by the Rector Major, the national spiritual councillor, and the
local spiritual councillor, appointed by the Provincial of the area.
b) Tasks
„ To offer formation and moral support, and advice (encouraging,
advising, accompanying), without having legal powers.
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„ To participate in meetings of the Administrative Councils and
General Assemblies (international, national, or local) and other
Association meetings if invited.
„ Specific role of the general Councillor:
– Visit the General Directorate of each nation when requested.
– Meet, at least every three years, with the national spiritual
Councillors.
– Propose seminars, conferences, and any other initiative to
the International Directorate that promotes the formation of
Councillors and the formation of the ADS.
„ Specific role of the National Councillor:
– Guide the National Management in the eventual pre-selection
of the local Councillors of the nation, in accordance with the
Provincial Management.
2.3.5. Other local structures
This concerns structures and procedures developed over time with
the aim of strengthening the animation and accompaniment of the
Salesian Family in the Salesian world.
2.3.5.1. Structures at the level of SDB regions and FMA
Conferences
„ Regions with a Provincial as reference person, a regional
coordinator, a single regional Advisory Council.
„ Regions with different Conferences, each with a designated
Provincial as reference person, a coordinator, and a single Advisory
Council (or similar) for the Conference territory.
„ Countries with an Advisory Council of Provincials and a team of
Delegates from the various Groups present in it.
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2.3.5.2. Structures in ASC Regions
The Regional Advisory Council
„ This is an animation body that aims to serve an effective apostolic
sharing of responsibility between provincial councils and the
World Council.
„ The Regional Advisory Council is made up of the world councillor
for the Region who chairs it; the provincial coordinators; the SDB
regional delegate appointed by the corresponding SDB Regional
Councillor, after hearing the opinion of the ASC Regional Advisory
Council; the FMA regional delegate appointed by the FMA Mother
General on the proposal of the corresponding Conference of
Provincials; and any other Salesian Cooperators with specific
technical support functions.
The Regional Secretariat (ReS)
„ It is a technical body that supports the World Councillor, made up
of Salesian Cooperators who will take on the role as reference
persons in specific fields of animation.
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2.4. Profile of each Delegate (or similar)
Taking into consideration the individuals called to carry out the service
of delegates77 (or similar) leads us to reflect on the essential traits of
their personal, human, believing, Christian, and Salesian profile.
In presenting the profile of the Delegate, the emphasis is placed on the
importance of being open individuals open to accepting the new wine
of the Gospel and the Charism and becoming prophetic witnesses of
the original experience of evangelical life that Don Bosco has left to
the Church.
In fact, Salesian Family Groups need Delegates and Animators in a
continuous process of inner transformation, with an open mind capable
of being touched by reality to accompany new prophetic responses.
Thus we see the need for continuous and updated formation.
The following description seeks to indicate some human, Christian,
ecclesial and Salesian characteristics common to those who accompany
the Salesian Family Groups, whether they are religious or lay people.
The closer we get to this ideal, the better we can respond to the service
of animation and accompaniment that has been entrusted to us.
2.4.1. A person on a constant process of growth to maturity
„ They develop a style of openness and optimism, a hopeful realism
with human calculation and trust in God, patient waiting and
forward momentum, always accompanied by dynamic balance.
„ They are proactive and resilient, knowing how to involve others
and handle differences and difficulties in a positive way.
„ They are able to listen and engage, feels in tune with others,
communicates clearly and purposefully, and is available.
77 The term “delegate or similar” refers to the individual who is appointed or elected by the com-
petent bodies to carry out a service of animation and accompaniment in the Salesian Family for the
corresponding level and Groups.
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„ They think and work with a planning mentality, with their
charismatic identity, and they are able to support the participation
of all group members, convinced that teamwork is the most
important way to achieve the proposed goals at all levels.
„ They encourage and make available their own personal qualities
without feeling more important than others, trying to respect and
manage their own and others’ motivations and emotions.
„ They cultivate a sense of responsibility and shared responsibility
in animating the Salesian charism.
2.4.2. A person aware of being called by God for a service
of accompaniment in the Salesian spirit
„ They strive to make themselves loved, as Don Bosco did.
„ They live in deep sacramental union with the Lord Jesus and
strongly feel the presence of Mary Help of Christians in their life.
„ They take care of regular moments of personal prayer and
maintain a continuous attitude of spiritual discernment to grow
as individuals with deep inner maturity.
„ They pass on to others a taste for spiritual life and give quality to
the support to be offered in the face of the novelties that arise in
life and daily activity.
„ This is about getting to know and reflecting in the light of the
Word and the teaching of the Church on the social, cultural, and
ecclesial situation for a better service of accompanying individuals
and groups.
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2.4.3. A person who has fallen in love with Salesian
spirituality
„ They are engaged in reading and studying the most significant
texts of the Salesian spiritual heritage and, especially, those that
refer to the Salesian Family and the Group assigned to them.
„ They pass on a vibrant sense of belonging to their own Group and
to the Salesian Family.
„ They study the characteristics of the Group, understanding the
spiritual and pastoral objectives specific to its identity in order
to work with their brothers and sisters, consecrated or lay people,
valuing their vocation and their mission.
„ They offer significant formation space sfor the members of the
Group that animate and accompany them in their growth in
maturity and personal and associative autonomy in the light of
the Salesian charism.
„ They ensure that the style of governance and animation of the
Group is based on a mentality of communion that promotes
a shared formation and mission with all the members of the
Salesian Family in the area.
2.4.4. Ongoing formation of the Delegate
a) Introduction
All this must be considered as an initial and ongoing formative desire
of the Delegate (and the people who are called to this service in a
specific area) to ensure unity and convergence. It is about living one’s
formative process as a response to the call to accompany a specific
Group and as a service to the charism.
If all members of the Salesian Family are asked to learn to think
together, work together, and pray together, much more should be required
of those called to a service of animation and accompaniment. This
implies, among other things:
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„ Allowing for a mindset of change. It is fundamental to feel involved
in collaborating with the Groups operating in the same area.78 In
fact, animation and accompaniment are reciprocal
„ Growing in a shared planning mentality, developing a spirit of
sharing and collaboration among the members of the Salesian
Family. The Salesian Family’s provincial and local advisory council
is the privileged space to grow in this capacity.
„ Knowing and reflecting on the situations that need to be addressed
to discern intervention possibilities and achieve concrete goals.79
b) Priority aspects in an ongoing formation path for the
Delegate
„ Knowing and gaining a better understanding of the specific
elements of spiritual life.
„ Knowing and getting a better understanding of the Salesian
Charter of Identity and the sources of Salesian spirituality.
„ Knowing and getting a better understanding of the documents
proper to the different Groups and Associations.
„ Keeping up to date with the documents of the Church’s
Magisterium.
„ Knowing the magisterium of the Rectors Major regarding the
Salesian Family and keeping up to date with new reflections and
guidelines.
„ Gaining an understanding of the reflections and documents of the
World Advisory Council and the Salesian Family Spirituality Days.
78 Charter of Identity, 21.
79 Charter of Identity, 41.
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c) Some conditions for the development of their mission
„ Having a reasonable amount of time available to dedicate to the
Association.
„ Feeling the support of the local and provincial community, first
and foremost of the rector and the Provincial.
„ Participating in events organised by the Salesian Family and the
accompanying Groups.
„ Considering the importance of helping brothers and sisters, and in
general those who are in an early or specific phase of formation, to
grow in a keen sense of the Salesian Family.
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The journey continues
Dear members of the Salesian Family, as we emphasised at the outset,
the aim is not to present you with a finished text, but a document open
to further contributions and additions, so that as we gradually move
forward in this service of mutual animation and accompaniment we
may arrive on the basis of the rich experience we have had.
As Don Bosco used to say: “You will complete the work that I begin; I shall
sketch it, you will color it ...”[80] This is our wish! A mutual responsibility
and renewal in the Salesian Family.
May Mary, our Mother and Teacher, teach us the art of animating and
accompanying in the Salesian Family with the far-sighted vision,
energy and commitment with which Don Bosco and his successors
accompanied it. She walks with us. We entrust this journey to her. Have
a good journey.
80 BM XI p. 289.
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Personal Note
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Don Bosco, Father and Founder of the Salesian Family
Barcelona, Martí-Codolar, May 3, 1886

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Prayer
Father and Teacher of youth,
Saint John Bosco,
who docile to the gifts of the Holy Spirit,
bequeathed to the Salesian Family
the treasure of your special love
for “the small and the poor ones,”
teach us to be each day for them
signs and bearers of the love of God,
cultivating in our souls
the same sentiments of Christ the Good Shepherd.
Ask for all the members of your Family
a heart full of kindness, constancy in work,
wisdom in discernment, courage to bear witness
to a sense of the Church and to missionary generosity.
Obtain for us from the Lord
the grace to be faithful to the special covenant
that the Lord has made with us,
and help us so that, guided by Mary Help of Christians,
we may follow with joy, together with the young,
the path that leads to love.
Amen.

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