I'm happy with the rich reflection offered on the Salesian Brother by the Formation Department and I'm thinking in particular about his "secular character", which suggests two ideas which in my view need to be rethought.
First: I am happy that we have taken into account the wise reflection of Don Viganò. From this starting point it would be appropriate to explain better what we mean today by "A Lay Religious" when we translate the Gospel into a way of life. This specific vocation gives an answer to many secular themes and values, and to the challenges and needs of the world today, especially to the young. I see that our reflection also considers the mutual, two-dimensional relationship between the Salesian Coadjutor and the Laity (Collaborators in Mission). This report is very important for the present and for the future development of our mission and our work.
Second, about the situation of vocations in our congregation, in my opinion we ought to point more to the figure of the Salesian Brother as a model for today's youth. The Salesian Brother is like a Salesian 'YOUCAT' today (learn, share, meet, express). This means that he is the real expression of the catechism, put into practice in all daily actions. It follows that he is the living practitioner of the Gospel and of Salesian ethical and moral values (prophesy and secular dimension).
When we think of the Salesian Brother, I am reminded of the metaphor or parable of water: the Salesian Brother is like water with its ability to expand or shrink so as to infiltrate every structure and place. In the same way the Salesian Brother can enter any youth situation or space. In this way, the Brother may also give rise to a spirituality for these 'difficult' areas in which he works, bringing hope and salvation.
Yes, the Salesian Brother is a figure capable of providing a continuous contribution to the renewal and enrichment of the Congregation and the Church. The Salesian Brother is also a bridge between the religious and the secular reality. His role allows him to embrace the diversity in our world today without prejudice to any current issue. Being a Salesian Brother should allow one to move in different ways so as to be a community builder through fraternity, and to be a sign of cooperation in the spiritual dynamic and also in daily work.
