No. 141 reads: “There is a reciprocal relationship between spiritual accompaniment and community. We keep in mind that by community we mean not only the Salesian religious community but also the educative and pastoral community (EPC) – and this is especially significant in the phase of practical training. A good formation journey helps one become more open to others and more willing to make a gift of oneself in service. On the other hand, it is also true that the community ambient has a great impact on the journey of each one, and on his openness and ability to benefit from spiritual accompaniment.”
The eighth video-seed is precisely an invitation to read and share this part of the document. It was made with the help of Christopher, Ignazio, Wellington, Enrico and Orazio, in the room, now a chapel, where Don Bosco wrote his Letter from Rome of 10 May 1884. It is from what he sees from this room in the courtyards of Valdocco and that makes him suffer, that the: “It is not enough to love! They must realize that they are loved”. The Salesian way of being among young people and with those who share the same mission forms and attunes the heart to what is dear to Don Bosco.
This is also the strong message that Pope Francis addressed to the Salesians during the GC28:
“We are formed not for the mission but in the mission, around which our whole life revolves, with its choices and priorities. Initial and ongoing formation cannot be considered as something prior, parallel to or separate from the disciple’s identity and sensibility. The mission inter gentes is our best school: it is where we learn to pray, reflect, study and rest.”
The seed video ends with three questions to stimulate reflection and exchange within the communities:
- How do relationships within the Salesian community, the educative pastoral community and in the open field where we interact with young people become my and our formation?
- What and how significant is the interaction with the laity in the formation phase I am experiencing?
- What value do we give to pastoral experiences and their accompaniment? Do they become "learning from experience," the heart of our ongoing formation?
The video is available in English on the specific language channel of ANSChannel.
To download the video and related animation materials, and to access material offered with the previous 7 video-seeds, click here.
