This meeting looked at issues addressed at the previous meeting in January 2023 in Turin, focusing on the identity of the four Mission Offices at the Congregational level (R. 24 Fr Eric Mairura, from the Salesian Missions Sector, moderated the discussion, which focused on the importance of the identity of the Mission Offices as an expression of the charism of Don Bosco at the service of the charism.
The reflections also stressed that the primary purpose of the Mission Offices is to be at the service of the Rector Major, organising initiatives to generate interest in the Church and in society on the missionary commitment of the Salesians of Don Bosco; and then to promote and maintain this commitment, supporting the needs of evangelising activity and the integral development of the Congregation and new missionary presences.
Each Mission Office has its own historical development in response to the needs of the missionary activities of the Congregation. "Unfortunately, due to historical circumstances, the Mission Offices have been seen by many above all as an inexhaustible source of funds. This is a distorted and incomplete vision of the Mission Office," Fr Maravilla said. "The Mission Office is a form of Salesian ministry that makes known the missionary activities of the Congregation and takes a pastoral approach for people who share their resources for the missionary activities of the Congregation regardless of their religious affiliation, so that they can have a spiritual perspective, come closer to God and be in new spiritual communion with the wider human family," he added.
Discussion also revolved around how the four Mission Offices can better coordinate the help provided to the Provinces through the Rector Major's distribution; how to agree on common criteria in responding to direct requests for project funding from the Provinces; and how to promote the development of the Province Mission Offices.
The next meeting will be in June 2025 in Rome, where there will also be the opportunity to meet the new Rector Major and the members of the General Council.
