Francesco Motto – “History and the Congregation. An invitation to reflection” in “Storia e identità salesiana in Africa e Madagascar. Questioni di conservazione del patrimonio culturale”

The Rector Major, Fr J. E. Vecchi, had already in 1997 emphasized the importance of the study of salesian history (cf. Letter For you I study, AGC 361), and in 1998 he came back once more to the same argument.

After a series of journeys during which he had taken part in many jubilee celebrations, while expressing his satisfaction at the many publications produced on such occasions for recalling the past history of the various institutions, mainly for the benefit of the local people and those close to us, he also pointed out some further and precise objectives: “At the same time the need is felt of greater historical completeness and a better arrangement of studies which would render more adequately the picture of our insertion in a particular context” (Letter: Church and Family Events, AGC 364 [1998] 26). He could not have spoken more clearly. It was a precise invitation to undertake studies and research which in method, content and style would extend beyond contingency and salesian settings.

Il Rettor Maggiore, don J. E.Vecchi, che già nel 1997 aveva sottolineato l’importanza della storiografia salesiana (lett. Io per voi studio, ACG 361), nel 1998 è ritornato sull’argomento. A conclusione di una serie di viaggi, nel corso dei quali aveva partecipato a molte celebrazioni giubilari, pur soddisfatto dei suggestivi volumi editi in tali occasioni per raccontare e far rivivere tale memoria storica appositamente “per il popolo” e per “quei di casa”, non mancava però di indicare ulteriori e precise mete: “Si sente allo stesso tempo l’urgenza di una maggior completezza storica e un miglior impianto degli studi, che rendano adeguatamente l’immagine del nostro insediamento in un contesto concreto” (lett. Avvenimenti di Chiesa e di Famiglia, ACG 364 [1998] 25). La richiesta non poteva essere più perspicua. Era un preciso invito a mettere in cantiere studi e ricerche, che nel metodo, nei contenuti e nello stile andassero al di là sia della contingenza che dell’area salesiana.

Index:

• Introduction: Relevance of the theme
• 1. At the salesian origins
• 2. The function of history
  • 2.1. Some basic principles
  • 2.2. The growth of historical sensitivity within the Institute is a “sign and instrument” of fidelity to the charism
  • 2.3. A charism viewed in a historical perspective to be offered to those outside the Institute to promote cultural dialogue on an equal footing
• 3. The present situation
  • 3.1. In terms of historiographical production
  • 3.2. Terms of structures
  • 3.3. In respect of persons
• 4. For a renewed historiography, non-contingent and of high profile

Reference time period: 1997 – 2000

Reference institution:
ACSSA