During this intense week, Fr Amedeo guided the Chapter members through the various phases of discernment, from the election of the Rector Major to that of the Vicar General, the Sector Councillors, and the Regional Councillors. His guidance transformed the electoral process into a journey of deep reflection and prayer, helping participants to attune themselves to the will of the Holy Spirit and make shared decisions illuminated by faith.
The Chapter members appreciated Fr Cencini's unique style, characterized by a balance between listening, silence, and meditation. This approach created an atmosphere of serenity and openness, turning discernment into a spiritual and communal experience. His presence, discreet yet impactful, reminded everyone of the importance of synergy between prayer and responsibility.
The Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, expressed his heartfelt gratitude: "With profound recognition, we thank Fr Amedeo Cencini for accompanying us during these crucial days. His spiritual guidance and wise discernment have given depth and meaning to the decisions made, allowing us to experience this moment as one of faith and communion."
Continuing, Fr Fabio emphasized the significant impact of Fr Cencini's presence: "We have had the privilege of knowing Fr Amedeo Cencini as a master of formative processes, a figure who has provided an enlightening contribution not only to the Congregation but to the entire universal Church. His experience and approach to discernment were not merely theoretical: he guided us through an experiential journey where each of us was personally involved, while at the same time, we were all challenged on a communal level."
Highlighting further the value of his guidance, the Rector Major stated: "True to his unmistakable style, Fr Cencini led us with profound insight and a simple yet incisive language, often summarizing his teachings in three thoughts or key words. However, what he conveyed goes far beyond words: through his physical presence and his gaze filled with hope and love, he encouraged and challenged each of us. He was able to look into people's hearts, helping them to perceive, even in the most complex moments, what God wanted to communicate."
Reflecting on the experience, Fr Fabio added with great admiration: "As was said during the Chapter, if someone who didn’t know him had entered the room, they might have thought: Who is this man? The answer is simple: Fr Amedeo Cencini is one of us. Not only because of his closeness and familiarity, but because he was able to enter the heart of each Chapter member. He became a brother, a friend, and a teacher who will continue to accompany us on our journey with his discreet yet impactful style."
Fr Fabio concluded with a reflection that encapsulates the entire experience: "What we experienced with him was not a temporary moment, but a paradigm. It was an experience that laid the foundation for a shared way of living discernment, like the first piece in a domino effect of reflections and actions guided by the Spirit. Fr Amedeo profoundly embodied the educational and charismatic essence of Salesian spirituality, gifting us with a presence that is at once formative, spiritual, and authentically Salesian."
In response to the Rector Major's words of gratitude, Fr Amedeo Cencini chose to express himself with simplicity and a touch of humor: "The Salesians have managed to 'capture' the Holy Spirit in this room."
Then, with humility, he added: "Accompanying the Salesian Congregation on this journey has been a great privilege for me. I have seen a community deeply united in listening to the Spirit and in the desire to serve young people. I hope that the discernment we experienced together will continue to inspire the Salesian mission throughout the world."
Concluding his remarks with a smile, Fr Cencini said: "I leave here with deep gratitude toward all of you for this beautiful experience. I am and will remain at your disposal."
Thanks to his service, the General Chapter was enriched not only by important decisions for the future of the Congregation but also by a renewed sense of communion and openness to God's will. Fr Amedeo left a significant mark, reminding everyone that discernment is an essential pillar for enlightened leadership, faithful to the Salesian mission.
With gratitude and affection, the Salesian Congregation thanks Fr Amedeo Cencini for his generosity, competence, and spirit of service, which transformed this week into a time of grace and growth for the entire Salesian family.
