Italy – "In listening to young people, it is the Church itself that rejuvenates": World Consultive Body of Salesian Family

22 May 2018

(ANS - Turin) - The work of the World Consultive Body of the Salesian Family continued yesterday, Monday 21 May, with the representation of 27 groups sharing the Salesian charism. Fr Eusebio Muñoz, World Delegate for the Salesian Family, animated the 56 participants.

The celebration of the Mass was presided by Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councilor for Formation. In his homily, he spoke of "Mary as Mother and Teacher, who teaches us to love as Jesus taught us." The presence of the Dicastery for Formation was very enriching for the participants, thanks to the presentation of the theme of the accompaniment of young people.

Fr Rossano Sala, SDB, Special Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, gave the morning's first presentation. In a clear and concise manner, he presented his report entitled: "Toward the synod of bishops, emerging dynamics, substantial issues, decisive questions" and noted that "there is a loss of educational passion in the ecclesial community, which determines an inability to accompany young people and an absence of key adults."

Fr Sala underscored what emerged in the preparation of the Synod, that it was not possible to speak to young people without listening to them. "Only when you have a clear idea of ​​reality can you discern and understand the challenges of the Church and of young people. One of the most important challenges is listening to young people; and in listening to the young, it is the Church itself that rejuvenates," he said.

In the afternoon, Fr Silvio Roggia, from the Dicastery of Formation, presented the theme: 'Accompaniment and Salesian Family.' "Accompaniment is the way in which Don Bosco educated the young and it is something that belongs to all the groups of the Salesian Family. In accompaniment, we discover the need of young people for adults in whom they can confide ... We are the experts of accompaniment, but there is the challenge of preparing to accompany young people with quality and depth," said Fr Roggia.

During dinner, the Rector Major thanked all the participants for their presence and invited them to continue to walk in the spirit of family and with the same youthful enthusiasm. Fr Muñoz, visibly happy, then added: "The day was of extraordinary density, of profound content and full of the extraordinary contribution of each group of the Salesian Family."

All photos are available on ANSFlickr

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