Egidio Viganò – “Letter of the Rector Major” in “Acts of the General Council of the salesian society of St John Bosco”

The Rector Major wishes that the new year will be a time for all to deepen the spirit of Don Bosco within their hearts. Through this, they can gradually actualize the pedagogical and pastoral perspectives outlined in GC23. He emphasizes the significance of the “community day,” suggesting that during community gatherings, which are crucial for ongoing formation, they recite the prayer found in paragraph 95 of the Chapter document. This prayer underscores beliefs in God’s love for youth, Jesus’ desire to share his life with them, the presence of the Spirit within them, and the opportunity to encounter God through serving youth. By reciting this prayer together, they will cultivate the characteristic experience of seeing education as a unique arena for encountering Christ.

Contents:

• Introduction.
• 150th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Don Bosco.
• The Synod of 1990, on priestly formation at the present day.
• The “courageous clarity” of the synodal fathers.
• The absolute originality of the “priesthood” of the New Covenant.
• Baptismal consecration and the ordained ministry.
• The delicate theme of the priest who is also a religious.
• Don Bosco: Priest and Founder for the young.
• Urgent need for better salesian formation.
• The GC23 and our pastoral growth.
• Gratitude to the Priest and his entrustment to Mary.

Reference time period: 1990 – 1991

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB