Participants
The course initially brought together:
Fr Domenico Saraniti, Provincial of Italy–Sicily (ISI) Fr Vitális Gábor, Provincial of Hungary (UNG) Fr Juan Aarón Cerezo Huerta, Provincial of Mexico–Mexico (MEM) Fr Rubén Dario Jaramillo Duque, Provincial of Colombia–Bogotá (COB) Fr Ronilo Aguilar Javines, Provincial of the Philippines North (FIN) Fr Xavier Ernst, Provincial of France and Belgium South (FRB)
For reasons of governance, Fr Saraniti and Fr Javines later had to leave early and return to their Provincial houses, so that only four Provincials were present at the conclusion of the course. They were invited to share an impression of the experience and of what they lived during these days at the Salesian Generalate, alongside the Rector Major and his Council.
Our Experience At Sacro Cuore
We have lived a beautiful experience here at Sacro Cuore in Rome, says Fr Ernst (FRB). I especially highlight the fraternal and spiritual life shared among us Provincials, first as a group of six, then of four, always in a strong spiritual communion and with an intense life of prayer.
I treasure particularly the community celebration of the Eucharist in the Don Bosco's Chapel of the Letter from Rome and the visits to the many significant places at the heart of the international Congregation. I also underline the value of the various sessions offered by the different Sectors, with the Councillors, the Rector Major and his Vicar, which helped us to gain an overall vision of the mission and service of the Provincials.
A Very Enriching Experience
Fr. Cerezo Huerta (MEM) continued: "For my part, I describe these days as a very enriching experience. We felt accompanied by the General Council, the Rector Major, his Vicar and the other Councillors, in a climate of closeness and shared responsibility.
I recall with gratitude the visits to several meaningful places: the Don Bosco House Museum within the Generalate, the spaces of the General Postulation and the “Don Bosco places” in Rome. I wish to thank all who collaborated to make the event possible, mentioning in particular Fr Patrick Anthonyraj, who coordinated everything with great care and attention."
Growing In Charismatic Identity
"Gratitude also stands out in our hearts. We thank the organisers for enabling such a deep experience of Salesian life, which allowed us to reflect on every aspect useful for better animation and governance of our Provinces.
This course helped us to assimilate more joyfully and consciously the charismatic identity we are called to transmit to our confreres. Through the different moments and the visits to various places, we almost “appropriated” this charismatic identity handed down by Don Bosco, inspired by the Holy Spirit and Mary Help of Christians, so as to continue transmitting it in each of our Provinces and Salesian houses," said Fr. Jaramillo Duque from Colombia.
More Than A Course: A True Encounter
In conclusion Fr Vitális Gábor from Hungary wound up saying: "In a concise yet incisive way, one of us offers a concluding thought, expressing heartfelt thanks for the course, which was “much more than a course”, truly an encounter. These days were a time to meet one another again, to share time and thoughts and to experience in a very concrete way the beauty of the Salesian Family. This experience reminded us that we are a family walking together towards Heaven, strengthened in our vocation and in our responsibility as Provincials at the service of the young and of the Congregation."
