How can we draw up a unified plan for the Salesians in the region?
The diversity of the region shows the wealth of the Salesian charism: the Salesians were at the forefront of inculturation in Europe, so our charism is acculturated very well everywhere and today is multicultural.
As Salesians, we are called today to build not walls that divide, but bridges that unite. Bridges between people, nations, languages, cultures, religions, denominations, generations, political systems ... It is very important not to waste this great heritage of diversity.
This is a process that begins with ourselves. It is no coincidence that the last General Chapter made a strong call for conversion of our mentality. I consider this invitation prophetic, though not easy, because there is an enemy that is called individualism.
Nowadays we all, even we Salesians, have need of others. It is for this reason that we now emphasize the importance, not only of the Congregation, but of the whole Salesian Family. Our conversion is becoming increasingly important and is manifested not only in the changing ways of thinking, but also in various concrete forms: the downsizing of the Salesian presences, their adaptation to the current challenges, the study of the situation of young people and the study of languages, going out to young people ... We have to be prophets not by defending our past and our facilities, but by planning the future as big dreamers and big realists.
What matters in Europe today are not so much the structures, statistics, or the big works, but the quality of the heart of Don Bosco offered to young people: we must give them the Salesian charism in a way that is beautiful, attractive, lively, inviting them to be part of our family. I'm sure if the Salesians and the Salesian Family focus on this and offer young people the heart of Don Bosco, there will be a bright future for Europe. Perhaps better than the current one!
