Dear friends,
As we look to our political leaders, we yearn for a brand of leadership that truly serves the people. We need leaders who prioritize the integral human development and common good, particularly for those who have been left behind, such as the unemployed and the poorest.
But leaders can't do it alone. We, the citizens, must also play a role. To ensure our leaders remain true to their promises, we must be vigilant and hold them accountable. The quality of our leaders reflects the quality of our citizenry; mere voting is not enough. Let us be quality citizens!!
We Salesians are educators. It is not enough that our students are merely successful for themselves, for their families and employers. Our students must be educated by us to be responsible and politically aware citizens too. Let leaders of quality emerge from among our students.
We pray for leaders who will guide us with wisdom and compassion.
▀ Fr. Mathew Thomas SDB
Representative of the Salesians of Don Bosco to the United Nations
“Non-Governmental Organisations” (NGOs) often fill the gaps that government bodies and private sectors are unable to address effectively. They play an essential role in bringing about social change, advocacy to influence public policies or political issues, the protection of the environment and a variety of causes.
Integral human development is the cornerstone of NGO activities. Through capacity-building activities children, youth and adults are equipped with the skills needed to participate fully in their society. Sustainability implies helping people help themselves which, in turn, develops self-esteem and dignity that is self-perpetuating after the NGO support has ended. Through advocacy, NGOs raise awareness of critical social issues. They seek to influence policies and legislation that affect the communities they serve, bringing about systemic change to ensure lasting social change.
Catholic-inspired NGOs are motivated by Catholic values, beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church. They promote Christian ethical and moral values as a way of fostering a greater commitment to social welfare, justice, solidarity, peace and defence of human dignity. This is translated into focusing on areas such as social work, the promotion of Christian values, integral human development, research, cultural and artistic promotion and care for the environment.
In today’s world, there is a legitimate plurality of opinions, there is the real danger that people can be content with partial or provisional truths. So, Catholic-inspired NGOs take part in discussions and debates in the public square as a ‘service to truth’ to shed light on the foundation of human morals and ethics, I the light of natural reason. By doing this, people of goodwill are helped to understand that adhering to Christian values is not only useful but also essential in building up a human society through integral development. These are the “new frontiers” where the Church, through Catholic-inspired NGOs, bears credible witnesses and fosters initial proclamation (Caritas in Veritate, 3-4).
The Don Bosco Network (DBN) is a federation of international NGOs whose vision, mission and activities are deeply inspired by Gospel values and principles, the teachings of the Catholic Church and the charism of St. John Bosco. Thus, member NGOs of DBN are engaged to help poor, marginalised, defenceless and vulnerable children, youth and adults to empower them to work for their integral development and the welfare of our society.
▀ Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB
General Councillor for the Missions
Dear Dr. Arwin, the main topic of this issue of Cagliero11 is politics. You, as a Salesian cooperator and a politically active person, what would you say is the relationship a member of the Salesian family should have with politics?
As members of the Salesian Family, we should also be mindful of the political landscape of our respective countries and what kind of leadership they offer and whether they are electable when they run for elective offices, realizing that politics is an important part of our progress and development as a nation and people.
What could be the positive contribution of the Salesian presence in the political sphere of Philippines or of any other country?
Our political leaders could learn so much from the teachings and guiding principles of St. John Bosco, especially on the significant value of integrity, commitment, dedication and charity in public service. We share the Salesian charism and our focus on educating responsible and exemplary young people.
What can we SDBs do so that we can raise good political leaders from young people?
We place so much emphasis on instilling loving kindness and helpfulness in young people so that when they venture into politics, we have a better chance of raising good political leaders among them. We remind them that public office is a public trust.
