The letter begins with warm greetings to the recipients, highlighting recent events within the Salesian Congregation. It notes the appointment of Fr. Luc Van Looy as Bishop of Ghent, expressing gratitude for his service and announcing the appointment of Fr. Adriano Bregolin as the new Vicar General. Additionally, it mentions the agreement between the Vatican and the Salesian Congregation regarding the direction of the “Ratisbon Institute” in Jerusalem. This institute will now serve as the new seat for theology studies and is seen as an opportunity to enhance formation for student confreres worldwide. The letter underscores the importance of unity and collaboration within the Congregation while embracing new opportunities for theological education and further formation initiatives.
Contents:
- Family News
- Significance of this letter
- Two important events
- A mark of gratitude
- The situation in Italy
- The situation in the Middle East
- The Region from a salesian standpoint
- 1. Personnel
- 2. Salesian foundations
- 3.Nature of our works
- 4.Some points to be kept in mind
- 5. Salesian communities: quantity and quality
- 6. The Salesian Family
- 7. Participation and formation of the laity: resources and problems
- The Region’s big challenges
- 1. The vocational situation
- 2. Reshaping and relocating
- 3. Continuing formation
- 4. Salesian work in the Middle East
- Future intentions
- 1. Rethinking our pastoral and educational system
- 2. Courageous redefinition of salesian work in Italy
- 3. Making the formation process for our lay collaborators more effective
- 4. Support for the Middle East Province
- 5. Development of our historic salesian places
- I remain close to all of you
- In conclusion
Reference time period: 2004
P. C. Villanueva, “You will be my witnesses… even to the ends of the Earth” (Acts 1, 8b). Presentation of the Italy-Middle East Region, in «Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco» 85 (2004) 385, 3-33.
Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB