Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus spoke to the members of the GC29.
On Friday morning, February 28, the 29th General Chapter (GC29) took a significant step forward in its “structuring” process. After a keynote speech by Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, who offered an “intentional” rather than chronological reflection on the first two weeks of the worldwide Salesian assembly, a structured working method was introduced to enhance the effectiveness of the six Commissions.
In his address, Fr. Chávez highlighted Article 146 of the Salesian Constitutions as a guiding principle for faithfully living the Gospel and following the Holy Spirit in Don Bosco’s footsteps. He emphasized that unity is built through fraternal encounters, which values diversity among individuals. “The General Chapter is the most beautiful experience of this dynamic and the most comprehensive moment of formation we have,” he stated with enthusiasm.
He also shared a key reflection for the future of the Congregation: the shift from merely inculturating the Salesian mission in different contexts to embracing the interculturality of the project as it is worldwide. Working in small or large groups to express a common will requires a clear method. This approach must be even more methodical when invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit, overcoming individual protagonism and fostering authentic mutual listening.
Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Chapter’s Moderator, explained: “Having completed the phase of shared understanding of the state of the Congregation, the need has emerged to modify the Instrumentum Laboris. For this reason, we are now formulating the proposals from the Chapter itself.” The Commissions are now tasked with identifying and proposing the five most important priorities in response to the challenges identified. These priorities will be the foundation for the final document, which will be presented to the new Rector Major and the General Council.
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