Pascual Chavez Villanueva – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in favour with God and man (Lk 2,52)” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

The letter reflects on the significance of Mary, Mother of God, in the context of Jesus’ humanity and development, drawing parallels between her role and that of every mother in nurturing their children. It emphasizes the unique mission of the family in fostering the full human growth of children, mirroring the development of Jesus in the Holy Family. The letter hints at the challenges facing families in contemporary society and introduces the upcoming presentation of the Strenna for 2006, suggesting a connection between these themes.

Contents:

• An unlorgeltable experience
• THE STRENNA for 2006
• 1. Dangers and threats facing the family at the present day
• • An environment unfavourable for the family
  • An easy ‘solution’, divorce
  • Privatisation of marriage
  • False expectations about marriage
  • Economic and consumet factors in family life

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• 2.The family, the way by which the son of God became man
• 3. Family life and the Salesian charism
  • 3.1 “In the beginning the mother was there”
    • 3.1.1 A brief biographical sketch
      • a) Before the move to Valdocco (from 1788 to 1846)
      • b) Ten years with Don Bosco (from 1946 to 1856)
    • 3.1.2 Spiritual profile of Mamma Margaret
      • a) a strong woman
      • b) a ‘salesian’ educator
      • c) An effective catechist
      • d) the first cooperator
  • 3.2 Valdocco, “a family that educates”
• 4.The family as mission
  • 4.1. “Family, make yourself what you should truly be”
    • The cell of society
    • Sanctuary of life
    • Proclaimer of the gospel of life
    • School of social commitment
  • 4.2. “Family, have faith in your true role”
• 5. Pastoral and pedagogical applications
  • So here are my suggestions
  • Some practical proposals
• Conclusion: a legend flavoured with wisdom

Reference time period: 2006

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB