Presentation of Working Document for GC26

DIREZIONE GENERALE OPERE DON BOSCO Via della Pisana, 1111 - 00163 ROMA

The Moderator of the GC26

Letter 01

to Members

of the GC26

Prot. 07/0727

Rome, 29 October 2007

To: CONFRERES MEMBERS OF THE CHAPTER

PARTICIPANTS IN THE GC26

Subject: Presentation of the Working document for the GC26

Dear Chapter Members,

We have just completed the meeting of the Pre-capitular Commission which has prepared the “Working Document” on the theme of the GC26 “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle”. I am now sending it to you together with this letter of presentation.

The Pre-capitular Commission met together 1 - 12 October and studied the contributions of the Provincial Chapters, of groups of confreres and of individuals regarding the five key topics: return to Don Bosco, urgent need for evangelisation, need for recruitment, evangelical poverty and new frontiers. Other contributions, regarding the Constitutions and Regulations, the life of the Congregation, the figure of the local economer were not considered by the Pre-capitular Commission because they will be sent directly to the Assembly of the GC26. The work was very intense and fruitful, undertaken in a serene and fraternal atmosphere.

The Commission was divided into three work-groups: the Italian and French group which studied 34 Provincial Chapters, the Spanish and Portuguese group which studied 33, and the English group which studied 31. In addition to the Provincial Chapters the groups examined the contributions from the confreres. The group work alternated with meetings of the whole Commission which shared the results achieved adding to or modifying the drafts. The group work was in preparation for the meeting of the whole Commission, which worked towards a consensus taking into account the many differences and various particular points made.

Since for the most part the Provincial Chapters had followed the methodology of discernment that had been suggested, it was easier to identify for each topic: God’s call, the situation, courses of action. By a series of syntheses the “working document” was arrived at. The Spanish and Portuguese group had responsibility for the syntheses on “God’s call” for each of the five themes, the Italian and French group drew up the summary of the second stage with regard to the “situation”, and the English group dealt with the summary of the “courses of action”. Everything produced was the result of work that was indeed collegial and intensely shared.

Above all in the working document the correlation between the three stages of the discernment process is clearly seen. In this way the fundamental elements in “Gods’ call” are taken up in the assessment of the “situation” and become the points of reference to which the “courses of action” try to provide a response.

“God’s call” always begins with an article from the Constitutions which regards the key topic and illustrates it from the point of view of the charism. It indicates the fundamental appeals to which God invites us to respond today; there are three or four of these appeals for each key topic.

The “situation ” is not a snap-shot of the life of the Congregation; this will be described in the report of the Rector Major to the GC26. It sets out the strong points and the weaknesses in direct and exclusive reference to the appeals of “God’s call.”

The “courses of action,” finally, indicate the processes to be implemented and some of the interventions that will help them be achieved. This stage of the methodology required the most attention, since GC26 is meant to be a planning and not a doctrinal Chapter. The courses of action are intended to be practical applications of the call, in view of a positive transformation of the situation.

In the courses of action there is also a part called “raising some questions”; this is placed after the procedures and refers to the mentality to be changed and the structures to be modified. In order to be able to respond to God’s call at the present time, face up to the challenges and seize the opportunities that present themselves, put into practice the courses of action identified, it is necessary to change the view points and the practices that often unconsciously underpin our choices. Therefore a conversion is needed.

The “Working document” is meant to be light and basic in its formulation; at least that was what we wanted and we hope it really is so. Now it is entrusted to the study, reflection and annotation of each Chapter member. Before GC26 is held we have available to us a reasonable period of time for a good preparation.

It is necessary therefore, first of all to create in all of us Chapter members the right attitudes of mind, heart and soul that will prepare us to be ready to listen and open to an effective discernment process. “Rekindle the heart” is therefore the way to begin for each one of us. Saint Augustine says that “only what delights it nourishes the mind.” May the Spirit give us joy of mind and zeal of heart. May our study and our reflection therefore be accompanied by the invocation. “Veni, Creator Spiritus”.

This working document can already be made known to and used by the Provinces, the local communities and the individual confreres as a guide for their animation and greater awareness before the Chapter Assembly. This too will help everyone to be ready to welcome the “fruits of the Spirit,” which will take root and flourish in a well-prepared soil.

Like Mary and the Apostles in the Upper Room, the Congregation is awaiting a new Pentecost for the confreres, the communities and the Provinces, in other words, an abundant gift of the Spirit. Let us therefore place ourselves in an attitude of docile and attentive listening to the Spirit; then the grace of God will be able to work more easily in each one of us. “Veni, Sancte Spiritus”.

Thank you and a heartfelt greeting to you all. In Don Bosco

Fr Francesco Cereda