Spain – Meeting of Rectors from the Salesian Central Circumscription, Italy: four intense days of visiting, discussion, dialogue and fellowship
Barcelona, Spain – May 2023 – From 29 to 31 May, 36 Rectors from the Salesian Central Circumscription, Italy (ICC), spent four intense days of visiting, discussion, dialogue and fellowship in Barcelona. Those involved saw the significant places of Don Bosco's history in the city, celebrated the anniversaries of religious profession and priestly ordination together, enjoyed the beauty of the works of art and listened to how the Spanish Salesians live the charism of Don Bosco. All this has meant that the Rectors believe that the Salesian mission in the areas entrusted to them is still possible and compelling, requires trust in Providence and personal witness, and expresses the desire to try to “make a beautiful copy of Don Bosco today”. The aims of the meeting were to reflect on the animation and governance of the Educative and Pastoral Community y comparing it with how they do it in Spain, both in works where there is strong shared responsibility with the laity, and in ones totally entrusted to the laity; to re-interpret their approach to animation and governance and the organisational model underlying it; to immerse themselves in the work and thinking of Gaudì and be struck by beauty. Participants experienced all these aims to the full to their great satisfaction. It was very interesting to listen to Fr Fernando García, Superior of the St James the Greater Province (SSM) Spain, and Fr Jordi Lleixá, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, on the way they live and interpret the Salesian mission, the service of the Rector, the functioning of the works entrusted to the laity. Questions in the discussion were numerous and addressed the problematic issues of Salesian community life, the process of entrustment to the laity, and the management of the works.
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