Fr Chevez, Rector Major (Emeritus) Expresses Concern for Youth and Family
Fr Pascual Chavez, former Rector Major of Salesians called upon the Salesian family members to form and foster the young people in their struggles to grapple with the present world. He was speaking at the Salesian Family Day at the Provincial House in Bengaluru on November 6. The youth require being taken care of as this was the vision and charism of Don Bosco. Fr Chavez who was Rector Major till recently exhorted all present to offer the best to the youth as they are the future of the Congregation and the world at large.
Fr Chavez Invited members to become holy, as this aspect of being holy would bring more vocations. He appreciated a large number of vocations from India unlike his country (Mexico). Salesian family was formed with a goal and for a purpose. All these movements were started with Mamma Margaret (Mother of Don Bosco and the first cooperator).
Salesian family has 32 members and at least 24 are officially recognized, Fr Chavez informed. He said a seed was planted which became a tree and later it turned into a forest. Salesians are spread to 145 countries. It is the most expanded congregation and its presence is extended to almost the whole world. Every day 50 million people benefit from this movement. He said ‘we need to work with more and more synergy.’ The Salesian movement is a charism of the spiritual world. They work with all groups, not only meant for and work with Salesians.
The leader of the Salesian family is the Holy Spirit, said Fr Chavez who visits different parts of the country and world. Don Bosco’s charism of the Holy Spirit is ‘our leader and guide’ to face the present challenges of the world.
What is happening in Europe, he wondered. The reality of the existing situation points out that both parents and Church have no children. Pope speaks of colonization of families. He denounced abortion and decried gay marriage, homosexuality and other related matters. This is a great challenge the world faces today. We are a spiritual and apostolic movement, and the Salesian movement is not a charitable organization. The vocation as a Salesian family member should stand for the Poor and the down-trodden.
India goes through a deep transformation. He called upon the members to work for the future and to develop available opportunities. This is the mission and centre of the movement of Don Boaco. Salesian family should know the Church and each other and the gathering such as this is important.
The second challenge is to form together on Don Bosco’s charism on the spiritual life. This demands to create much more synergy, applying integrated roles, besides becoming part of the scheme to work together. Fr Chavez who travels extensively urged the gathering the need and importance of sharing with many groups of the Salesian family.
Sexual pervasion and abortion are life-threatening challenges. We need to look for natural way of doing things. Church in Europe is going to die. As abortion gets legal support there, the consequences are frightening. He reminded that ‘we are not owners of life’ (to kill it).
India needs youth protagonists. This is the need of the time. All facilities and opportunities should comply with the law of life. Fr Chavez stressed the urgent need to foster the families and thereby to care for all members of the Church including children and members of Salesian family in particular. He recalled the content of the Strenna of the Rector Major which is on family and also Pope’s book which is also on family. Yet another point he touched was on Education which we should offer to young people, the society and the whole world.
Sadducees do not believe in the resurrection (of Christ). They are like the Hindus in India (they believe in rebirth). The greatest news to announce to the whole world was ‘Christ rose from the dead.’ Apostles also did not believe in the resurrection. Our God is a God of life, enables us to regulate the life of the world. He is faithful to us, does not remain in the tomb but will do the same for us. Christ rendered the value of life. People amass wealth and collect so much money but they also die like anyone else. What is lasting and what remains is love and there is no other law greater than love.
Fr Joyce, Provincial of Bengaluru Province, speaking on the occasion said Don Bosco would be an inspiration to all, not limiting to Salesian Congregation alone. Don Bosco touched four areas of life. Most important one for him was taking care of the family which is very relevant and most important. We share the vision of Don Bosco even in this present century.
To save souls was the greatest desire and mission and to meet this goal, he learnt many languages including Greek. Don Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Congregation found humanism and goodness in every person and he encouraged all to help others. Fr Joyce spoke of building up communities with communion and added Don Bosco thought of preparation of personnel for civic life. Quoting Don Bosco, Fr Joyce who is a sports person, said “When a young person walks in, I am overjoyed because I see in him a soul to be saved.”
Don Bosco was in the vanguard of progress of the society. A person should be relevant and useful according to one’s vocation and always respect others. The specific vocation is to respond to the need of the society, being credible and relevant, taking along trends of charity to achieve the motto ‘one family and one mission.’In the process, one is called to be responsible, respectful and resourceful.
Fr Joyce urged the members to follow God’s holy will to be successful in whatever one does. He also emphasized to strive to make God’s works go well promoting the spiritual and moral well-being of our neighbours with our alms. This enables our material well-being to go well on looking after the well-being of others.
Fr. Gilbert Choodal, Provincial Delegate of the Salesian Family, explained the meaning of Family using power point presentation. He touched upon the topics of ‘Why Family’ and what does the Strenna and Pope Francis’ book say on the topic.
Strenna is a gift to the Salesian family from the Rector Major every year. It is a New Year gift and it was started by Don Bosco himself, as a word in the ear. It is an exhortation for the year and for the unity of the Salesian family. He said we are a family and every house, a school of life and love. Pope’s teaching in the book Amoris Laetitia (Joy of Love) is a document written by Pope Francis on family after two synods. Fr Pascual Chavez, as Rector Major, had also brought out a Strenna on Family in 2006.
The family is the first school of life, faith and relationship. There exist family spirit and ministry to families. God becomes part of the families. Some of the Salesian family members in the province include: SDB, FMA, ASC, ADMA, SMI, VDA, DBA, MSMHC and Disciples.
Pope’s book contains topics such as In the Light of the Word; Experiences and Challenges of Families; Looking to Jesus: the Vocation of the Family; Love in Marriage; Love Made Fruitful; Some Pastoral Perspectives;Education, a Better Education of the Children; Accompanying, Discerning, Integrity and Weakness; Spirituality of Marriage and the Family.
Fr Gilbert elaborated on each topic and pointed out some of the problems families face. Don Bosco’s family has its own troubles as there are wounded families existing today. Don Bosco’s mother was his first teacher. A family helps, heals, forgives and saves. We should be sensitive and show empathy by sharing in the struggles of families. A family has children, youth and parents to Accompany. Education also involves life,love, relationship and faith.‘Family means: Father and Mother, I love you.’
Fr Jude Anand, Regional Delegate, Karnataka, spoke of the importance of family and Salesian Family. He touched upon Salesian Family, Karnataka Region: An Appraisal. Later he divided the members into groups to discuss relevant issues and drawbacks and to give suggestions to improve.
Earlier, Fr Itira Mondoth, Rector of the House, while welcoming the members spoke of the need for unity, understanding and respect for and among the members.
After the concelebrated Mass, Fr Chaves was presented with a shawl, garland and a traditional cap.
Br Jerin Peter conducted games and quizzes which made the programme more meaningful and enjoyable for the members. Br Peter Lepcha played guitar and led all in singing. Bindhu James compered the programme.
C V Joseph
