Coordinated by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the meeting has been a well-established tradition between the two General Councils for many years now, which is renewed every six months, in summer and winter, when both bodies meet for their respective plenary sessions.
Two elements, in particular, characterized this meeting: first, the celebration of thanksgiving in the proximity of Christmas, which addressed the common moments and times of discussion in the spirit of communal and fraternal sharing; and second, a sharing on vocation animation.
The program included an opening reception by Mother General, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, and her councilors at 4 p.m. local time.
In his words of welcome, the Rector Major spoke of "the sense of gratitude and simplicity for all the members of the two Councils for the gift of being together in the house of our father Don Bosco, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, a place that speaks to us of our roots and our history. To find ourselves here in the name of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello does us so much good and gives us a great sense of family. A true testimony of fraternity for the whole Salesian Family. With all my heart and affection, welcome."
Mother Chiara Cazzuola, for her part, responded, "We are very happy to be here. Truly we feel at home. Don Ángel is a sign of communion and unity for all of us. It is very good to be here, and together to look at the future."
During the community assembly Fr. Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, led a session on the theme of vocational animation, the inspiring principle, and the goal of Salesian Youth Ministry. He emphasized the importance of doing "vocational animation within youth ministry," and invited everyone to look at this moment in the history of the Salesian Congregation and the FMA Institute as a great opportunity to promote "vocational culture": through insistent prayer and passionate bearing witness to the vocation that God gives to each person.
He also recalled that all Salesians and FMA are the heart, memory, and guarantors not only of the Salesian charism but also of their own vocation, and that the real driving force of our consecrated life is the following of Jesus Christ. Again, he added that we need to know how to guard the Salesian presence in the midst of young people and stressed the importance of renewal and revitalization of community life, the central role of the pastoral educational community, and trust in the generous hearts of young people.
After Fr. García Morcuende's presentation, Sister Runita Borja, FMA Councilor for Youth Ministry, opened a moment for sharing starting with some questions, mainly on what are the signs of hope present in the vocational animation of the two Congregations.
The fraternal moment reached its climax with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Artime, inside the Don Bosco Rooms. In his homily, the Rector Major stressed the importance of "giving our best to God and to the young people." He recalled that Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have in Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello two examples of saints who lived with great simplicity and generosity. "Sometimes," the Rector Major emphasized, "there is human risk. We have made the most precious choice in religious life: we have surrendered our lives to God. It happens sometimes that in our daily lives we forget to be generous, that our energies should be spent to serve others." Thus, he concluded by recalling that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is the example of true and generous surrender to God and to others.
This time of precious and rich sharing ended after the celebration with fraternal agape and the exchange of gifts.
