How did the idea of this path come about and what are the expected results?
Pope Francis in the letter to the GC28 recalled the charism of "presence" to show that the educator places his trust in the Lord's action.
The Rector Major in the final address and in the programmatic guidelines for the six-year term places the apex of the challenges in charismatic depth, the foundation of which is the relationship with Jesus Christ, and in living the "Salesian sacrament of presence".
The GC28 at n° 37 indicated in missionary synodality the way for the conversion of heart and mind, the direction of youth ministry and the way to build the family spirit and share the mission. And in No. 3 he also indicated in the field of affectivity, with all the issues related to gender and sexual identity, a challenge to our anthropological vision. Here are some ways to be "present" alongside and among young people.
From reading these stimuli, the idea was born of a path of meetings mainly aimed at Salesians, but which was immediately shared with the laity and other members of the Salesian Family.
The objective is to highlight the charismatic identity of the Salesian in living the grace of unity and his apostolic interiority as two sides of the same coin: profound union with God and apostolic passion for young people.
Why does the course focus precisely on the priority of the “Salesian sacrament” of presence?
Among the most "effective" expressions used by the Rector Major is precisely that which concerns the "Salesian sacrament" of presence. For some theologians, it would certainly be an ambiguous expression or in any case to be explained, however, the Rector Major wanted to point out that being a "sign and bearers of God's love for young people" is the profound identity of the Salesian: for young people, but with young people, in their midst, "bringing" the presence of an Other, who is the Lord Jesus, the good shepherd.
Are other initiatives planned to deepen the other priorities of the six-year term?
There are surely also other priorities indicated by the Rector Major, by the GC28 and by the Pope. It would be really nice, if every year, one were able to focus on one, for the benefit of the whole.
Can this methodology be maintained also in the future?
The methodology of the live Facebook interview and chat questions was suggested by the current pandemic, but manages to involve the largest number of Salesian communities and people who live far away. It could also be maintained for the future; by now live streaming has launched a new method of formation.
