Pascual Chavez Villanueva – “Bringing the Gospel to the young. Strenna 2010. Centenary of the death of Don Michael Rua” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

In this letter, written on the 150th anniversary of the Congregation’s founding, the author reflects on recent activities and events, highlighting the significance of spiritual renewal and rediscovery of the Constitutions. They also commemorate the exemplary life of Don Rua, the first Successor of Don Bosco. The letter provides a summary of recent travels and encounters, including a pilgrimage in the footsteps of Saint Paul and the sending forth of Salesian missionaries. Through these experiences, the author emphasizes the importance of fidelity to Don Bosco’s mission and the enduring spirit of service within the Congregation.

Contents:

Premiss: Some significant events in the second half of 2009

Commentary on the Strenna 2010:

• Introduction: the motives behind the Strenna
• Being disciples and apostles: our vocation
• The task of the disciples is to hear the “desire to see Jesus”
• First disciples, then apostles

• To help the young “to see Jesus”
  •  The aim of evangelisation: meeting Christ in the Church
  •  Method of evangelisation: walking together
  •  Motivation for evangelisation
  •  Rethinking pastoral work
  •  Processes to implement in order to change
•  Don Michael Rua, disciple and apostle
  •  “The most faithful one”
  •  Fruitful Fidelity
  •  Dynamic Fidelity
•  Suggestions for putting the Strenna into practice
•  Conclusion: Don Bosco evangeliser, sign of God’s love for the young (Meditation on the painting of Don Bosco by Sieger Koeder).

Reference time period: 1910 – 2010

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB