The Spring of the Salesian Charism That Nourishes Us

By Fr. Lou Molinelli, SDB, Province Delegate of Youth Ministry

Over the next few issues of Salesian News, I would like to share with you some of the highlights of the International Congress of Salesian Social Works and Services, which was held in Valdocco from Monday, October 17, through Thursday, October 20. During the first day of the Congress, Fr. Miguel Àngel Garcia gave the orientation of the meeting. He began with the following image:

The desert explorers say that for a tree to grow in the desert, somewhere there needs to be a reservoir of water. We are here because we gratefully recognize the source that nourishes the branches and flowers of our apostolic vocation and our local realities. This spring is the Salesian charism.

Fr. Miguel Àngel reminded us that St. John Bosco established the Salesian Congregation for the neediest young people, for "poor and abandoned boys" (St. John Bosco). As Don Bosco founded this apostolic work, it quickly transformed into a family environment and, therefore, a work of education.

We have entered into new times that call us to do what Don Bosco did. As Don Bosco began his ministry with a "Hail Mary" with Bartholomew Garelli on December 8, 1841, so we must begin with great trust in Mary Help of Christians as we begin to rekindle our fundamental charism. We Salesians have expanded from a city in Northern Italy to 134 countries with the same mission that Don Bosco set out in that sacristy of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. We are called, like Don Bosco, to do three things for the young:

".... To care for life when it is fragile, sometimes to defend it when it is threatened, or to accompany those who do not have the right to have rights."

For us in the Salesian Family, this Congress represents a renewal of our mission and a reinvigorating of our charism so that it is just as compelling as it was in the 19th century. It causes us to let go of what is comfortable to move fearlessly and tenaciously like Don Bosco to serve those young people who are poorest and most in need. Although it is a challenging prospect, the love of Christ compels us and our Salesian heart spur us on. Get ready for the journey!