The following is a summary of the text prepared by RASS in relation to the 8 programmatic lines of the Rector Major (the full text is available in the Spanish version):
1. DON BOSCO'S SALESIANS FOREVER
We are certain that our Salesian charism is what characterizes us in the priority attention we give to our children, adolescents and young people. That is why we always try to reinforce this identity in the main lines of action of our operational work: articulation, formation and communication. We have maintained a continuing education program together with the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS), and even in our communication products, we reflect the spirit of Don Bosco.
2. DA MIHI ANIMAS COETERA TOLLE
We organize virtual meetings with members of the Youth Ministry, where we reinforce our task of bringing the Gospel as the banner of our social intervention. We understand evangelization as a mission that begins with bearing witness and we see the face of Christ alive in the reality of our works.
3. SALESIAN SACRAMENT OF PRESENCE
The activities that we carry out as a network have as their objective the recognition of reality, sensitization, formation and advocacy. But, beyond this, they encourage us to always involve ourselves in the reality of children, adolescents and families in vulnerable situations.
We want our Salesian presence to strengthen our recipients so that they can become agents of their own change and leaders in their own realities.
4. SALESIAN SHEPHERDS TODAY
Being "Salesian pastors today" implies a constant updating of knowledge and a commitment to formation processes. One of our strategic lines is to provide our educators with access to tools that allow them to strengthen their leadership and the work they do directly with children, adolescents, young people and the families we serve in the area.
5. ABSOLUTE PRIORITY for the young, the poorest and the most abandoned and defenseless
Our objective is to improve the quality of the Salesian response in social works and services that serve children, adolescents and youth in vulnerable situations. This point, in particular, invites us to transform our dreams as RASS into a palpable reality: we seek to prioritize the social sector in the Provinces, as well as to make visible and position the social work that we Salesians do within the Church, and to collaborate with the institutions of civil society to unify efforts in reducing inequalities.
6. TOGETHER WITH THE LAITY
The laity are a critical piece in this puzzle; the value they bring to the mission of Salesian work is immeasurable. As a network, we have created an environment in which co-responsibility is evident in all instances.
7. GENEROSITY IN THE CONGREGATION
Seeking to contribute to the building of a universal and missionary congregation, we have put our efforts into raising awareness (through communication campaigns, infographics, and testimonies) about issues such as: migration, equality, and human rights. We also highlight the work done by each of the Salesian social works that focus on the dignity of the person. We are also active members of the CLAMOR Network, which is the network of Catholic Church organizations that deal with victims of trafficking.
8. TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
A serious accompaniment of children, adolescents and young people that aims to give them more opportunities for life and the development of their capacities must take into account culture, environment and the economy. Therefore, we encourage the strengthening of local identities and an institutional projection that allows for economic resources that take into account the objectives of sustainable development in any social work.
By aligning itself with the Rector Major's Program Proposal, RASS strengthens its charism and puts itself in the school of Don Bosco, imitating him in seeking new ways to change situations of poverty, inequality and social injustice.
