Who We Are and What We Do

Dear Confreres,

I pray that your celebrations of St. John Bosco, Apostle of Youth, were occasions for renewal. Some Salesian works continue the celebrations with Catholic Schools Week and spirit week. Thanks to all who prepared and prayed the Don Bosco Novenas, whether they used the printed version or the social media one. Please send a few sentences, photos, and captions to Salesian News about how you celebrated the Feast of St. John Bosco in your local Salesian presence.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It is also World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated in parishes the weekend of February 4-5. On Friday, January 27, Fr. Steve DeMaio sent an email about this day, with a prayer service, several links to other resources, and three short videos on Salesian religious life prepared by Br. Kevin White. Let’s be bold in inviting young people to consider a call to consecrated life, especially to consecrated life in the Salesian Family.

Throughout the month of January, I shared brief reflections in Salesian News on the goals of our province's strategic plan. I offer some brief comments now on the mission and vision of the plan. The mission puts who we are and what we do in a few words. The vision gives us direction, where we feel God is calling us for the next four years. If we project ourselves out into the future, with God’s help, what do we see? The vision presents a lot of people working together for the good of the young. We are clear and confident about our Salesian identity and zealous, even self-sacrificing, in the mission. By our joyful witness and generous service, the Salesian charism is vibrant and continues to spread. Sometimes confreres comment about the province's last vision and direction. I think the mission, vision, and goals of the strategic plan give us a clear, challenging program for the next four years. It flows from the extensive discussions every community had in preparation for the provincial chapter last summer. Some priorities that were established at the provincial chapter were used by the provincial council to develop the final plan. Now it falls to every Salesian work and provincial department to incorporate the province strategic plan into your local community plan and local educational pastoral plan. As a lengthy process of discernment, we can perceive the work of the Holy Spirit in the development of the plan. We also rely upon the Holy Spirit to give us docility and perseverance, following the example of Don Bosco, as we implement the plan.

This evening, Fr. Hugo Orozco arrives in Tampa. He is with us for the consultation for the next provincial. He will also be present for province day and the post-novitiate curatorium in Orange. Once again, I emphasize the importance of everyone’s participation. If you cannot make an in-person meeting, you can still attend the meeting in Tampa by Zoom. Please email Fr. Franco Pinto for the link. Our participation expresses a sense of shared responsibility for the province, a moment of fraternity with the General Councilor for the Interamerica Region, and a certain help to the Rector Major. Thanks.

Fr. Tim Zak