With the phase of electing the new General Council members successfully concluded, the focus now shifts to approving the documents that summarize the high-level reflections of the Congregation, involving Provincials and Delegates from around the world. These documents will serve as guiding principles for every community, ensuring that the figure of Don Bosco remains relevant, especially for young people who are vulnerable and marginalized.
With the newly elected members, the Chapter now comprises 229 participants. The morning session formally ratified the elections of the new General Council members through the approval of last week’s minutes.
A Spirit of Faith, Hope, and Pastoral Charity
Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major, expressed gratitude to the assembly, stating: “We thank our merciful God for guiding us, so that we may always remain open to His call. What has happened so far in GC29 is something truly heartening and propels us forward. It is a gift to our beloved Congregation: a spirit of faith, hope, and pastoral charity.”
Reviewing Key Deliberations and Proposals
The assembly reviewed 10 deliberations and 5 proposals, presented by Fr. Luca Barone, which were later put to a vote. The outcome showed openness to well-developed regulatory aspects, while proposals requiring changes to the Constitutions did not achieve the required qualified majority.
Key decisions:
- Clarifying the Nature and Responsibilities of the Curatorium (Deliberation 18) – The Chapter discussed the role of this governing body and who holds ultimate responsibility for its decisions.
- Advance Planning for Extraordinary Visitations (Deliberation 19) – It was proposed that these visitations be scheduled as early as possible, ensuring full involvement of all members of the Province and integrating them effectively with regular regional activities.
- Methodology for General Visitations (Deliberation 20) – The proposal sought to refine the methodology to enhance preparation, ensure a synodal approach, and address specific challenges.
- Responsibilities of the Vice Provincials (Deliberation 21) – Following the model of the Vicar of the Rector Major, Vice Provincials should also handle matters related to religious discipline, allowing the Provincial to focus on his pastoral role as a father.
- Child Protection and Congregational Responsibility (Deliberation 25) – The GC29 reaffirmed the full commitment of the Salesian Congregation to the protection of minors.
- Minimum Community Size Requirement (Deliberation 26) – A new guideline allows the establishment of a community with a minimum of four consecrated confreres, responding to declining numbers in some Provinces or the need to open new missions.
- Commitment to Youth in Vulnerable Situations (Deliberation 27) – The Chapter approved comprehensive measures to ensure Salesian works and services prioritize young people facing economic, emotional, and spiritual poverty.
Legal Norms and the Ratio Fundamentalis
While deliberations were finalized in the early evening, discussions on legal and structural aspects—presented by Fr. Pier Fausto Frisoli, Procurator General of the Congregation—were referred to six commissions for further review in the afternoon session.
The session concluded with a presentation on the Ratio Fundamentalis, the Salesian formation framework, developed over the past six years through Council meetings, questionnaires sent to Salesian communities, focus groups, and studies by specialized commissions.
Fr. Ivo Coelho, outgoing Councillor for Formation, explained that the GC29 is not being asked to vote on a specific resolution, but rather to express a position based on a request from Rector Major Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime. He emphasized the guiding principle of the document, encapsulated in Don Bosco’s words: “Strive to be loved.”
The Ratio Fundamentalis highlights the importance of lifelong formation and sees mission as an integral part of formation. Fr. Coelho reminded the assembly: “Let us be attentive to what happens within us during our apostolic work. This is Pope Francis’ invitation, and thus the Ratio Fundamentalis serves as a tool for pastoral accompaniment, helping us truly experience the values of the Salesian vocation.”
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