Egidio Viganò – The Salesian Family. Letter of the Rector Major. Acts of the Superior Council N. 304

The monograph that follows treats of the project common to all the Salesian Family, even though it was actually a letter written directly to the Salesians SDB, who have the particular responsibility of being the centre of unity and stability for all the Family. This is part of their traditional vocation; it was so willed by Don Bosco; and it is a function recognised by all groups of the Family — as Father Viganò reminds us. In recalling these responsibilities to the Congregation, the Rector Major (as Don Bosco’s successor) authoritatively backs a whole series of identical appeals made to the Salesians by the various Family groups that they should implement these same responsibilities. Moreover, the Rector Major, in this letter, highlights the historical events relating to the Salesian charism and the founding of groups by Don Bosco to carry out his mission; he stresses too Don Bosco’s desire that these groups (to be joined by others in the future) should carry out the Salesian project in close bonds of unity. Father Viganò thus takes occasion to develop the concept of Founder, and to discuss the rich, fruitful and ecclesial aspects of Don Bosco’s charism. He dilates on its central thrust, which is pastoral charity and is the uniting element.

SUMMARY

• Introduction
• Fidelity to a precious heritage
• Don Bosco belongs to the Church 
• Don Bosco father of a spiritual family 
• The unifying force of his charism 
• Renewal of SGS 
• Forging ahead together 
• Problems and prospects
• Conclusion

Reference time period: 1982

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB