Dear Confreres,

 

The month of August reminds us of the triple celebrations: The Assumption of our Blessed Mother and the Indian Independence Day on 15th August, and the birthday of St. John Bosco on 16th August. One thing that is common to Mary, Gandhi and John Bosco is that each of them was called for a particular mission and they directed their lives to fulfilling that mission. They had discerned God’s will and dedicated their lives totally to it. Mary’s mission to be the Mother of Jesus paved the way for the redemption of humankind from the slavery of sin; Gandhi’s mission to lead the enslaved people of India was directed to assuring them of freedom from the colonizers; and John Bosco’s mission to guide the troublesome youngsters was to save them from various confinements. His motto: Da mihi animas, caetera tolle clarified and specified God’s mission to him. Through their mission all the three persons desired that the humankind lived in true freedom and enjoyed the human dignity in God-given life. How do we, as Salesians, carry out the mission entrusted to us?

 

Last month we reflected on the Salesian way of life and this month I thought we could continue to reflect on the Salesian Mission or the Salesian way of doing the Mission. Life and Mission are not two alienated sectors but the two dimensions of a religious vocation. Whatever may be the plans or projects we aspire to realise in the mission, the basic prerequisite is that it remains Salesian in nature. We need to assure that the charism of St. John Bosco is present in our mission as expressed in the first article of our Constitutions. Our mission is “to contribute to the salvation of youth, ‘that part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in promise” (C 1). In every apostolate we take up, we have to discern and assure that the initiative of God, the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance, the Motherly intervention of Mary and the spirit of of Don Bosco are present. Our Father and Founder had a passion like St. Teresa of Liseux to be a missionary. This unquenchable desire to be a missionary is evident in his conversation with the first group of Salesians who left for the missions in Patagonia. Don Bosco said: “I would like to go with you myself, but since I cannot do so these Constitutions will take my place. Keep them as you would a precious treasure.”

 

In the heart of the Church the gift of our Salesian vocation calls us to be “contemplatives in action” (C 12) and it determines that our mission has to take the contemplative action-oriented approach. We as Salesians carry out the mission entrusted to us with an attitude of contemplation, which urges us to seek and to recognize the mystery of God’s presence in everyday life and the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters. Moreover, sustained by the Spirit, we confront with serenity the difficulties of life and the joys and the sufferings which accompany our apostolic work. Our mission is carried out in the Church and for the Church. It cannot be an exclusive mission outside the Universal or the Local Church. The missionary work is carried out “in a specific form of religious life: to be in the Church signs and bearers of the love of God for young people, especially those who are poor. By carrying out this mission we find our own way to holiness” (C 2). “A missionary…commits himself to the way of holiness: ‘Holiness must be called a fundamental presupposition and an irreplaceable condition for everyone in fulfilling the mission of salvation in the Church’” (Redemptoris Missio 90). In our desire to follow and work with Christ in order to build the Kingdom of God, “our apostolic mission, our fraternal community and the practice of the evangelical counsels” have to be inseparable elements. “Our mission sets the tenor of our whole life; it specifies the task we have in the Church and our place among other religious families” (C 3). Inflamed by the Love of Christ and the Charism of St. John Bosco and keeping the poor and the needy young as our focus, “we give generously…our time, talents and health.” We profess the evangelical counsels for their sake and declare: “For you I study, for you I work, for you I live, for you I am ready even to give my life” (C 14).

 

 

FOR YOU I STUDY, WORK, LIVE AND GIVE MY LIFE…

 

Looking at the speed in which the world is moving and growing, the scientific inventions and the social and cultural developments that have an effect on the citizens, we ask: “Am I really needed for the growth of the people in the world? Am I not called to be closer to God and away from the world? What difference can I make in the world and in the lives of people? How can I make the message of Christ relevant to everyone I meet in the mission? Sometimes, some Salesians feel that they are not sufficiently prepared both personally and by the province for the mission and their lamentation turns to the degrees and academic titles they lack or have not obtained. The list of ‘lacks’ multiply and become endless to the one who thinks of the mission devoid of God or as totally a personal effort and achievement or manifests symptoms of least interest in the mission or the apostolate. Today, in the depths of our hearts, we need to confront some serious and fundamental questions: Do I truly love God? Does that love of God get translated into the love of neighbour? Do I allow that process of transformation to happen within me? Is my religious fervour goading me towards pastoral charity? Am I willing to lose myself, my degrees, my portfolios, my needs, my health, my comforts, my relationships, my recreation, my holidays, my rights, my opportunities and so on and so forth, for the sake of the young at risk? Do I have the missionary spirit of depending on God’s providence, brotherly communion and support, and genuinely living poverty, chastity and obedience that I promised God for the growth of the Kingdom and for the well-being of the young in this world?

 

With these questions for reflection, I am not down playing the aspect of qualifying confreres for the mission. In fact, the point is that we need to form our confreres and qualify them to address the ‘signs of the time’. It is required that their qualification transcends their slightest selfish desire and personal agenda. Our former Rector Major Ricceri wrote in 1966 with regard to the qualification of confreres for the educative pastoral mission as follows: “Connected with this need for formation there is the other not less important one of qualification of the individual confrere for the various tasks to which obedience calls him. Today society will not accept into its structures utility men, men without cultural, technical or professional training… People, and the Church first of all, consider us authentic specialists in pedagogy and the apostolate. We must, to the limit of our capacity, live up to this reputation… A bit of practice is no longer sufficient… From now on every manifestation of our activity calls for qualified personnel… It is not a question of collecting degrees or specializing for its own sake, and much less of encouraging selfish or ambitious desires to study for one’s own satisfaction but with sterile application to the apostolate; what is required is simply an adequate preparation to work fruitfully in one of the innumerable fields of action to which Providence has called us. It can be seen at once what and how many consequences for superiors and confreres follow from these changes.” …. “If we want to respond to the inescapable demands of our mission, more must be done to give to all the activities of Salesians that qualification which is not a luxury but an ever more evident necessity.” It is good to ask ourselves at this juncture, as a qualified person, have I contributed concretely and constructively for the growth of young people in my apostolate? Or am I using my degrees and qualifications for my personal security? For those who want to get qualified, what is the motive behind your qualification? Do the poor and abandoned youngsters and their salvation form part of your desire for qualification?

 

Generally, our discussion on the mission concentrates on the work to be done, money needed for that work, beneficiaries and the collaborators needed for it. This focus is good; however, it leads us to the point of becoming the wells that run dry without the life-giving water in it, that is, we lose the real meaning of our consecration and mission in our apostolic work. We are all aware that according to the extraordinary visitor, our province has 39 apostolates and that some Salesians are generously giving themselves for the poor and the marginalised youth. Nonetheless, he also pointed out that in some places, our mission looks more diocesan than Salesian; has become the task of a few individuals and not of the community; lacks some fundamental Salesian characteristics insisted in the Constitutions. Such a phenomenon could strike a Salesian or the Salesian Province, according to the Special General Chapter (SGC), when they forget the basic elements of religious life. Firstly, when mission is ignored or not taken as a specific element that determines one’s Salesian Identity. Secondly, when Salesians choose to remain ignorant of “the supernatural sense of our mission in its theological and ecclesial aspects as a sharing in the mission of Christ and of the People of God.” Thirdly, when Salesians disregard “the spiritual resources inherent in our mission which help us to live more completely our religious vocation and the spirit of Don Bosco” (SGC 178-179).

 

To address these lacunae I would suggest along with the SGC documents that each of our communities engages in “deeper study of the theology of the active religious life, discussions and talks on this subject, meetings, [monthly recollections] and retreats with this end in view, a community check on the ideals of this mission, pastoral work, etc.” (SGC 179). Dear Confreres, the study of theology is not over with the moment we finish or obtain our Bachelors degree in Theology rather it’s a life time personal endeavour. Moreover, for the mission to be successful, the binding influence, stabilizing factor, and driving force in the Salesian family should be the Salesians themselves. Our educative presence “a new kind of presence” among the young according to the changes we see in the world will certainly enhance the mission. To keep the Salesianity alive, time and again we need to get back to the Salesian resources, read them and make them part of our lives. In addition, we must make it a point “to study together the best way of perfecting the work we undertake in the local church in education, evangelization and catechetics in the context of the joint pastoral plan of the local church, to study the methods of formation and information for this purpose and the means most apt to attain our object” (SGC 189). Our Constitutions remind us that “we offer the particular Church the contribution of our work and Salesian pedagogy, and we receive from it direction and support” (C 38). Along with this suggestion I would like to add and remind all of us that Pope Francis has asked every Catholic to study the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council: Sacrosanctum Concilium (The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy), Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation) and Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), in preparation for the celebration of the Jubilee 2025 to be Pilgrims of Hope.

 

If the mission has to go on, every Salesian has to be faithful to his call. Fidelity to the God who called him and fidelity to those who await him in the mission are the two sides of our single consecration. “Fidelity, indeed, is no mere repetition; it is not a matter of mere doing. To be faithful we must avoid the danger of a materially conservative regression, which substitutes for fidelity a mere “fixism.” At the same time, we have to know how to avoid the mistake of a superficial progressivism: this only befouls fidelity, feeding it with relativism and naturalism.”

Some expressions from our Constitutions like “theological and pastoral updating”, developing “our professional competence and our apostolic inventiveness” (C 118), discerning “the voice of the Spirit in the events of each day”, “renewing the religious and pastoral meaning of…life”, “learning to carry out… [the] work with greater competence” and “growing in…vocation” (C 119) vouchsafe that the Salesian mission is not static but dynamic. “The family spirit and the dynamic drive which is characteristic of our mission among young people make particularly important the contribution of young Salesians in the apostolate” (C 46). In the mission, the Salesian brother witnesses to “God’s Kingdom in the world in a particular way” and he remains close to the young and their realities of life. “The Salesian priest or deacon brings to the common work of promoting human development and of educating in the faith the specific quality of his ministry, which makes him a sign of Christ the Good Shepherd, especially by preaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments” (C 45) as he engages in the mission.

 

The spiritual and the dynamic nature of our mission also points to the communitarian dimension of our mission. At times, we take the expression that we are reflecting upon, “for you I study, for you I work, for you I live and for you am ready even to give my life” seriously especially the aspect of “I” and continue to cut ourselves off from the community and nest comfortably in individualism. For the Salesian mission to be effective, it is required that the mission forms the youth community, involves the local community of the Salesians, includes the educative pastoral community, coordinates with the lay community, human community and collaborates with the ecclesial community and the local pastoral community. “God brings our community together and keeps it united by his call, his Word, his love” (C 85) and his mission. “To live and work together is for us Salesians a fundamental requirement and a sure way of fulfilling our vocation” (C 49). “Brotherly love, our apostolic mission and the practice of the evangelical counsels are the bonds which form us into one and constantly reinforce our communion” (C 50). The…rector promotes team work and guides the community to “accomplish its apostolic plan in unity and fidelity” (C 44). “We bring about in our works the educative and pastoral community which involves young people and adults, parents and educators, in a family atmosphere, so that it can become a living experience of Church and a revelation of God’s plan for us. In this community lay people associated with our work make a contribution all their own, because of their experience and pattern of life” (C 47). Are we really paying attention to all these aspects in our daily missionary apostolate?

 

From the articles quoted above, it is apparent that our Constitutions affirm that the mission does not belong to an individual confrere but is entrusted to the whole community. Educating, evangelizing and catechizing are the fundamental characteristics of our mission. We Salesians must see ourselves as always and everywhere missionaries for youth; we are Christ’s envoys for his “Good News” to the young. A periodic assessment of our mission as a community would certainly help us to concentrate on the need of the people and to enhance our mission to fulfil them. We also must pay attention to the target groups that we have chosen as a province to attend to in our mission. Assessment of the mission should be a moment of transparency and accountability of each confrere towards the mission and the community as whole. The time spent in the mission, with the people and the financial help given to them. Instead of making the assessment as a fault-finding moment, let us encourage each other, support each and give a helping hand to the one who struggles to give himself to the mission. In this regard I would say that transferring of confreres from one house to another is done keeping in mind the mission of the Province and the Congregation at large. I would exhort that all of us cultivate this attitude of understanding one’s obedience from the perspective of the mission at hand.

 
Conclusion:

The mission of the Salesian community is deeply rooted in the charism of St. John Bosco. It is a dynamic and communal effort that demands fidelity, constant renewal, and a profound connection with God and the people we serve, especially the poor youth. The Salesian way of doing the mission emphasizes the integration of our apostolic work with the spirit of contemplation, ensuring that our actions are guided by divine providence and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. By focusing on the holistic development of young people, particularly those who are marginalized, we strive to be effective instruments of God’s love and bearers of hope. The Salesian mission is not merely a set of tasks but a way of life that requires us to be signs and bearers of God’s love. It is through our commitment to community life, our professional competence, and our pastoral charity that we can truly fulfill our vocation. Our mission is carried out in close collaboration with the local Church and other communities, ensuring that we remain relevant and effective in our apostolic endeavours. By continuously reflecting on our practices, engaging in theological study, and fostering a spirit of unity, we can address the evolving needs of the young and the world around us. Let us personalise what we have read and heard on the Salesian way of doing the mission by reflecting on the following questions.

 

1. How does our community ensure that the charism of St. John Bosco is present in our daily activities, apostolic work and mission? Reflect on specific practices, traditions, and initiatives that embody the Salesian spirit and how these contribute to the overall mission.
2. In what ways do we integrate our personal and communal prayer life with our apostolic activities? Consider the balance between contemplation and action, and how this integration enhances our effectiveness and spiritual growth.
3. How do we involve and empower the local community, including lay collaborators and young people, in our mission? Reflect on the level of engagement and partnership with the broader community and how this collaboration supports our mission goals.
4. What steps do we take to ensure continuous professional and spiritual development among confreres for the mission? Examine the opportunities for ongoing education, formation, and personal growth, and how these contribute to the effectiveness of our apostolic work.
5. How do we address and adapt to the changing needs and challenges of the youth and the society we serve? Reflect on our strategies for staying relevant and responsive to the evolving social, cultural, and technology, ensuring our mission and its impact.

 

By engaging with these questions, we can foster a deeper understanding of our Salesian identity and enhance our collective efforts to serve the young in our mission and build the Kingdom of God. In our missionary endeavours let us remember that we are not alone. Mary is there as “the missionary who draws near to us and accompanies us throughout life, opening our hearts to faith by her maternal love. As a true mother, she walks at our side, she shares our struggles and she constantly surrounds us with God’s love” (EG 286). Our father and founder is also with us whenever we cry out and partake in his Da mihi animas. In the dream at the age of nine, little Johnny wants to do everything by himself to bring peace and happiness to youngsters but he fails. The august personage calls him and teaches him another way of doing the mission, i.e., to begin his work of saving the young, having Jesus as the centre and Mary as his teacher. Along with this another lesson is given to Johnny. To remain a shepherd till the end. Shepherds in general are poor. They make themselves poor for the sheep. Can we make Jesus as the centre and embrace poverty to continue our mission among the young and in the world?

 

Yours affectionately,

Fr. Don Bosco SDB

INM Provincial

 

Date: 01.08.2024
Place: Chennai - 10

 

Ref. No. INM-DBL-CIR 29/08-2024    (AUGUST 2024)