Brazil – National Meeting of the Salesian Family: strengthening unity and communion while respecting the autonomy and identity of each group
Sao Paulo, Brazil – June 2023 – The National Meeting of the Salesian Family (SF) took place on 10 and 11 June, focusing on the theme of the 2023 Strenna of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime: “AS YEAST IN TODAY 'S HUMAN FAMILY. The lay dimension of the family of Don Bosco”. The event was attended by 20 people including SF Delegates of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians, and national representatives of the different SF groups in Brazil. The meeting was coordinated by Fr Jefferson Luis da Silva, Superior of the Salesian Province of Brazil-Manaus, and Sister Adriana Gomes, of the FMA Province of Recife, with the collaboration of Fr Nivaldo Luiz Pessinatti, SDB, Executive Director of the Salesian Network Brazil (RSB). During the meeting the group also reflected on the SF Charter of Identity, returning to the main themes involving all those present. In addition, they organised a joint formation process that will serve as a basis for the animation of the SF in the different regions of Brazil. According to Father Jefferson Luis da Silva, the idea is to work with a national project for the SF, that is, “activities possible for all... that strengthen our unity and communion and respect the autonomy and identity of each group.” Regarding the theme, the Provincial said: “We are always enlightened by the Strenna of the Rector Major, because the Strenna is for the Salesian Family...” In assessing the coordination of the meeting, some commitments are essential: mapping the existing SF groups in Brazil and then encouraging communication among them.