What is the global youth situation in the sector of marginalization?
Visiting the social works of different Provinces, I saw the important response of the Salesians to the needs of the poorest young people, which confirms that the Salesian charism is alive. I believe we are giving a real and prophetic answer to these times. It is stimulating to see that Salesians and lay people are committed to the social cause, the social dimension of the charism, and I believe that what Don Bosco started on the streets of Turin in the service of abandoned children has multiplied to infinity: I have been able to see other Don Boscos in the world, serving the poor and the rejected in the Salesian style.
How was the World Consultation on Marginalization born?
The World Consultation is an initiative of the Rector Major and the General Council, which responds to the indications of the 27th General Chapter and is part of the programming of the 2014-2020 animation and government plan.
Who participates in this event?
We have invited 30 Salesians and lay people from all the regions of our Congregation, from all five continents, who work in the field of care for the marginalized and young people at risk.
And who will accompany the reflection of the Consulta?
The participants themselves have prepared presentations with the challenges, opportunities and processes to be activated in the realities they represent to the council. We will also have two special talks: Fr Rossano Sala, Director of the magazine, Note di Pastorale Giovanile, and Special Secretary of the 2018 Synod of Bishops, with the theme: "The Salesian mission in social works and services in the light of the Synod and Salesian Youth Ministry"; and then we will have the online presence of the Rector Major, who will help us reflect from the assumption: "Salesians, prophetic signs at the service of the poorest young people."
What do you wish to achieve after this Consulta meeting?
Basically, we want to offer three concrete things: first, to offer the Rector Major and his Council the reflections of the council; second, to offer a declaration on the work in view of the reflection of the next 28th General Chapter; and third, with this consultation, we project ourselves towards the next World Congress on Social Work and Services, to be held in 2021.
