Originally conceived to be presented during GC29 itself, the video is now being released one year later, acquiring even greater significance: it becomes not only a remembrance, but a contemplative and inspiring reading of the Congregation’s journey.

More than a historical overview, the video is a beautifully crafted spiritual and institutional journey through the decisive moments that have shaped the Salesian Congregation from its origins to the present day. Through evocative images, historical memory and thematic continuity, it highlights how the General Chapters have consistently guided the Congregation in fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism and in attentive discernment of the signs of the times.

The General Chapters: Heartbeat and Prophetic Continuity

Since the first General Chapter of 1877 in Lanzo, presided over by Don Bosco himself, the General Chapters have marked the rhythm of Salesian history. They are not merely assemblies of governance; they are the heartbeat of the Salesian Society — privileged moments of grace, discernment and courageous decision-making to keep alive Don Bosco’s dream for the young, especially the poorest and most abandoned.

The early Chapters, guided by Don Bosco and his immediate successors, laid the foundations of the Congregation: clarifying the Constitutions, organising community life, strengthening formation, and opening missionary horizons that soon carried the Salesian charism across continents.

As history unfolded, each Chapter responded with attentiveness and courage to the evolving needs of the Church and society: adapting to the Code of Canon Law, consolidating structures of governance, renewing religious life in the light of the Second Vatican Council, deepening collaboration with the laity, definitively approving the Salesian Constitutions, and reaffirming Salesian identity through the motto Da mihi animas, cetera tolle.

In this way, the Chapters reveal a profound prophetic continuity: faithful to the origins, yet always open to renewal. Each one, within its historical context, has been a moment of listening to the Spirit and discerning how best to serve young people in changing cultural and social realities.

The video gently retraces this path, showing how the Congregation has grown not by rupture, but through organic development — a living tradition that unites memory and mission.

GC29: A Chapter Already Bearing Fruit

Within this broader history, GC29 stands as the most recent expression of this same dynamic continuity. Centered on the theme “Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to Young People,” it invited the Congregation to renew its spiritual depth, strengthen fraternal life, and verify its structures of governance in view of greater missionary effectiveness.

Particular emphasis was placed on care for the concrete life of each Salesian, deeper communion and shared mission with lay collaborators — with and for the young — and a renewed missionary focus rooted in authentic encounter with Christ.

One year after its conclusion, GC29 is already bearing visible fruit across the Salesian world. Its orientations have translated into renewed pastoral zeal, more intentional formation processes, strengthened fraternity within communities, and a clearer focus on accompanying young people, especially those most in need. What was discerned in the aula has begun to take flesh in everyday life.

The Chapter’s decisions were not simply organisational adjustments; they were seeds sown in faith. Today, those seeds are germinating quietly but consistently in Provinces and communities worldwide.

Memory that Generates the Future

Remembering the General Chapters is not an exercise in nostalgia. It is an act of fidelity and hope. In the Salesian tradition, memory is dynamic: it rekindles passion, strengthens identity, and opens new paths.

One year after GC29, this “nostalgic glance” becomes a renewed commitment — to deepen our Salesian identity, strengthen communion within the Congregation and the Salesian Family, and relaunch the mission with courage and conviction.

The dream of Don Bosco remains alive. It lives wherever Salesians are passionate about Jesus Christ and fully dedicated to young people.