In an open letter initiated by the youth representatives, the German Salesians and their employees also address young people directly: "It is important to stay informed, especially now with many elections approaching. Take your time and ask questions! Your right to vote is a powerful and important tool. Use it wisely and responsibly."
Chapter members also visited the monastery to see the destruction caused by a recent hailstorm and to catch up on the status of the reconstruction work. They reaffirmed the wish of the province to do everything necessary to ensure that the damaged parts of the building can be rebuilt as soon as possible and made available again for educational work with young people.
In his accountability report, the Provincial, Father Reinhard Gesing, also outlined the progress made in addressing abuse and mistreatment in the history of the German province. Deeply affected, the Chapter members reaffirmed all measures that recognise the suffering of the victims and enable them to come to terms with it.
Chapter members looked with concern at the current situation of young people in Germany and Europe. The fact that a large number of them are suffering from mental health crises, illnesses and loneliness as a result of post-Covid and various global crises calls for action. The aim is to develop services with and for children and young people that respond to this. The Salesians and their employees are also called upon to further develop services for vulnerable young people who are difficult to reach.
