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The GC also emphasizes working together with laypeople in the mission and formation, highlighting the importance of collaboration within the Salesian Family. This collaborative approach ensures that the Salesian mission remains relevant and effective in addressing the needs of young people in various contexts around the world.
The 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation concluded with the Eucharistic celebration on April 12 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome. The Rector Major Fr. Fabio expressed profound gratitude for the experience lived during the General Chapter, describing it as a moment of Salesian Pentecost. He highlighted how the Holy Spirit guided every phase of the Chapter through the method of conversation in the Spirit, and he invited the entire Congregation to continue on this path of listening and discernment.
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With recollected minds and hearts, the members of the General Chapter (GC 29) entered through the Holy Door and, reverentially bowing towards the Altar of the Chair at St. Peter's Basilica, settled among the pews to take part in the concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Fr. Fabio Attard, the Rector Major on Friday, April 11.
Presiding over the closing celebration of the General Chapter in Turin, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the former Rector Major, along with his predecessor, Fr. Pascual Chávez Villanueva, and successor, Fr. Fabio Attard, invited his fellow Salesians during the Eucharist, to be new Don Boscos for today's world: "missionaries in love, captivated by Christ, and compelled to share the love that transformed their lives."
The Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard presented a special gift, the Medal of Mary, to the participants of the General Chapter 29. The medals were kept overnight at Colle Don Bosco, the birthplace of St. John Bosco. “This is not a pious gesture,” said the Rector Major Fr. Attard, “but a real act of entrustment to our Mother.”
On the morning of April 8, the assembly unanimously approved the final document—a challenging task, given the need to find a common language among delegates from 136 countries. Yet, this intercultural effort has borne fruit. The Chapter members now take home not just a document but a shared desire to draw closer to the Lord and to “do whatever He tells you,” echoing Mary’s words at Cana, which had been a focus of prayer and reflection throughout the assembly.
Fr. Patrick Alexander, the general coordinator of the General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has earned a reputation for his organizational skills, attention to detail, and concern for the confreres. His work during GC 29, held at Valdocco, Turin, is a testament to his professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. Fr. Patrick Alexander hails from the Salesian Province of Tiruchy, India, and presently belongs to Salesian Headquarters in Rome.
After almost 50 days of intense work, the 29th General Chapter has entered its final week. The second half of the week will take place in Rome, where the chapter members will pilgrimage to the Vatican and conclude the GC29.
His Holiness Pope Francis sent a message to the participants of the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation held in Valdocco, Turin, from February 16 to April 12, 2025.
With the election of the new General Council members concluded, the focus now shifts to approving the documents summarizing the Congregation's high-level reflections. These documents will serve as guiding principles for every community, ensuring that the figure of Don Bosco remains relevant, especially for vulnerable and marginalized young people.
The seventh week of the General Chapter begins in a spirit of discernment and intensity, marked by several key events. The work focuses on the presentation and voting of deliberations 18-27, the development of Core 1 and 2, and an important emphasis on some current issues. The week also includes moments of spirituality, cultural activities, and fraternal sharing.
Speaking on behalf of all Chapter members, the Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard, acknowledged the service rendered by the outgoing councillors. A long, heartfelt round of applause confirmed their appreciation and affection for their contributions.
The 29th General Chapter elected the following Salesians as Regional Councillors:
East & South Africa - Fr Bizimana Innocent
Central & Western Africa - Fr Alphonse Owoudou
America South Cone - Fr Romero Hector Gabriel
East Asia & Oceania - Fr Matthew Williams
South Asia - Fr Biju Michael
Central & Northern Europe - Fr Roman Jachimowicz
Interamerica - Fr Hugo Orozco Sanchez
Mediterranean - Fr Juan Carlos Godoy
The South Asian Region Salesians warmly greet Fr Biju Michael for being re-elected as the Regional Councillor for South Asia.
Congratulations!
The 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation elected Fr. Gabriel Stawowy from Poland as the new Economer General of the Congregation. As the new Economer General, Fr. Gabriel brings decades of financial and administrative expertise to ensure the responsible stewardship of Salesian resources in service of the Congregation’s mission worldwide. He is fluent in Polish, Italian, and English.
The 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation elected Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain as the new General Councilor for Social Communication. He was the Provincial of the Mary Help of Christians, Province of Southern Philippines (FIS).
Central Christian Belief:
Easter signifies the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the central belief for many Christians regarding salvation and eternal life.Victory over Death:
The resurrection is seen as a triumph over death and sin, offering believers hope for a new life in Christ.Hope and Renewal:
Easter represents renewal, rebirth, and the enduring power of hope, encouraging individuals to embody love, forgiveness, and compassion in their daily lives.Symbolism:
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful symbol of God's power and love, inspiring believers to trust in His promises and to find hope even in the darkest times.Practical Implications:
Easter encourages Christians to reflect on the meaning of life and to seek to live in a way that honors Jesus' teachings, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and compassion for others.Most Viewed News
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