29 September 2015

Incarnating GC27

The Preparation for the 27th General Chapter focussed on the theme: "Witnesses to the radical  approach of the Gospel". It redefined the call of every Salesian to be a witness as a 'Mystic of the Spirit', a 'Prophet of Fraternity', and a 'Servant of the Young'. Conferences, meditations and reflections were devoted to the deeper understanding of the three terms: Mystic, Prophet and Servant. The GC27 emphasized these keywords and added 'Work and Tempernce' in summing up the Salesian Identity. Perhaps there was need to return not only to Don Bosco, the Founder but to refresh our commitment to the Salesian charism in the context of the Bi-centenary celebrations. However, personally, I still remain disappointed with the deliberations of the GC27 which focussed through exhortations more on spiritual renewal of our identity and less on bold ventures of living out in the mission our identity as Mystics, Prophets and Servants. To be more explicit, I observed that GC27 did not opt for more challenging presences in a youth world so trapped in individualism, consumerism, violence and corruption in society. I see particularly the need to reach out with our Salesian Charism to the youth in the Islamic world, by offering them education through formal school and college institutions; technical non formal structures. 
Now that the Provincial Chapters are preparing for assessing the implementation of GC27, will it consist again of more conferences and talks about the meaning of Mystics, Prophets and Servants or will we .......... 

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