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

This letter reflects on the recent death of Pope Paul VI and the upcoming feast of Mary’s Assumption. The Rector Major highlights Pope Paul’s significant impact and views his pontificate as a gift from Mary. He connects this to the vocation of Don Bosco and the importance of the Preventive System in their mission. The letter also acknowledges the Congregation’s ongoing efforts to understand and implement the results of GC 21, expressing optimism about the future despite current challenges.

Contents:

• In search of appropriate practise.
• The Preventive System of Don Bosco.
  • Generality expressive of the Founder.
  • A date in tradition.
  • The basic element of our “charism”.
  • The sure way to a true conversion.

• In the footsteps of Christ friend of the young.
  • “The gift of predilection for the young”.
  • Shared charity.
  • Knowledge of each one and of the “Youth situation”.
  • A careful evaluation of human reason.
• Pastoral charity and pedagogical wisdom.
  • Penetration not dissipation.
  • To evangelize “by educating”.
  • Educate “by evangelizing”.
• The Salesian style.
  • Typical characteristics.
  • Urgency of inventiveness.
  • Practical aspects of commitment.

Reference time period: 1978

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB