Georgia – Facing the challenge of grounding the charism with courage, clarity and foresight

30 October 2024
Georgia – Facing the challenge of grounding the charism with courage, clarity and foresight

(ANS – Tbilisi) – Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the missions, made an animation visit to the only Salesian community in Tblisi, Georgia  from 25 to 27 October 2024. Christianity spread to Georgia in the second and third centuries, before being declared the official state religion in 326 A.D. In 2020, 85.84% of Georgia's population adhered to Christianity; about 37,000 people, equal to 1%, were Catholics.

The first two Salesians arrived 36 years ago, when the country was part of the Soviet Union. They mainly served Armenian Catholics. In 1993 another Salesian arrived, to work in the newly created Apostolic Nunciature, and then as Director of Caritas. Initially the presence in Georgia belonged to the East Circumscription, based in Moscow; then, when this was dissolved, the presence was entrusted to the Province of Poland North, based in Piła (PLN).

Today five Salesians work in Georgia, but live in different places. The construction of a community residence and a Vocational Training Centre began in 2020 in Tbilisi, the Capital. It is hoped that the building can be opened in November 2025, on the 150th anniversary of the first missionary expedition.

During his visit, Fr Maravilla encouraged his confreres to finish the construction, which will become the basis of the Salesians' apostolate for poor youth in Georgia,  a "conditio sine qua non" for grounding the Salesian charism in the country. "In a country where the majority are Orthodox Christians, the main task of the Salesians is to strengthen bridges of friendship and practical ecumenism through charity initiatives. An act of charity can never be interpreted as proselytism," he said.

The Councillor for the Missions also stressed to the Salesians that "it is necessary to think now about the future of our presence in Georgia. Each new missionary presence must reflect the internationality of the Salesian Congregation. On the other hand, we know that in the very near future it will not be easy to send confreres to Georgia."

“It is important to recognise that without local vocations to consecrated Salesian life, the Congregation will not have a secure foundation in Georgia. The new house will be a favourable place to invite young people to learn more about the life and apostolate of the Salesian community and vice versa", added the General Councillor, who concluded by stating: "we must face these challenges with courage, clarity and foresight."

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