It was indeed a moment of the family, as Don Bosco desired. Fr Stefano expressed his “thanks,” touching the chords of the heart and various aspects of governance that Don Bosco passed down.
First of all, he thanked the General Council for the fruitful work done in these years, particularly in December and January. There were 37 working sessions of the Council, during which the following were appointed:
8 new Provincials (ISI, PLE, UNG, FRB, MEM, COB, FIN, PLS);75 Provincial Councillors;137 Rectors;3 Novice Masters.
Additionally, 4 canonical houses were erected, and 3 new presences were opened. A significant amount of time was dedicated to reports on the 15 Extraordinary Visits made, along with the related guidelines for the future concerning the path of each province, in order to remain faithful to the charism of Don Bosco.
Fr Martoglio’s gratitude extended to all those who made such intense work possible during a particularly difficult period. Without everyone's collaboration, in fact, it would have been impossible to complete the work of animation and governance for the good of the Congregation.
Several events had made the mandate of the General Council quite challenging in these years: the 28th General Chapter had to interrupt its work due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and during the first year, it was not possible for the Rector Major and the Council to carry out ordinary activities. The appointment of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime as Cardinal, also brought the General Chapter forward by a year, concentrating the Extraordinary Visits in a shorter period.
Despite these difficulties, the entire Congregation had been able to prepare adequately to celebrate the upcoming General Chapter, with the desire to meet in Valdocco to live fraternity, pray, discuss the main challenges of the present moment, and listen to the Spirit to understand how the Lord desires the Salesians to live the charism of Don Bosco in an ever more fruitful way.
Secondly, the Vicar of the Rector Major thanked the community of the Salesian Central Headquarters, which in these years has seen renewal both in terms of personnel and structures. There have been Sons of Don Bosco who, after a life dedicated to the service of young people, have reached the house of the Father; others who have completed their service and changed communities; and others still who have been called to live in the community of Sacro Cuore, Rome to serve the Rector Major. The restructuring of the House of the Sacred Heart involved nearly three years of work, with the consequent effort of the Salesians to move to other communities or to stay in the house, facing the inconveniences of the ongoing works.
He also mentioned that January 24, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, was an important moment to thank those who have worked on the restructuring of the House of the Sacred Heart and to bless the renewed structure, serving the Rector Major and Salesian confreres from around the world.
Fr Stefano Martoglio’s good night concluded with an Hail Mary, entrusting to Her with gratitude for all that has been lived and accomplished in these years.
