In his closing address, the new World Coordinator, Borja Pérez, began with the analysis presented by the Association’s eleven Regions, all of which were present at the Congress. It reveals a wounded, polarised, unequal world; a world in which many young people experience uncertainty, loneliness and a lack of reference points. It also reveals a Church in transition, seeking new languages, new structures and new paths of synodality. In this context, the Association is at a decisive juncture, with major strengths represented by a charism that is both contemporary and necessary; a vibrant presence on the peripheries; an Association that is a community, which supports and accompanies, and possesses an admirable capacity for resilience. However, these strengths are counterbalanced by certain elements of fragility, such as an ageing membership; a lack of generational renewal; a vocational identity that is sometimes unclear; formation that is still too uneven; weak communication; and a limited socio-political presence.
Drawing on the numerous insights from the various contributions, both from the Rector Major and from the group work carried out over the previous three days, Borja outlined the initial programme guidelines for the next six-year term.
The first is the creation of two Regions on the African continent, which currently forms a single region with Africa and Madagascar. The proposal, submitted for consideration by the World Council, reveals, alongside its positive and appropriate aspects, certain weaknesses as well; for this very reason, a study commission will be established to carry out the necessary assessments.
Similarly, the second working proposal is not a ready-made text for approval, but the start of a process that involves setting up a technical-advisory team to assist the World Council in amending the Project of Apostolic Life. The Project of Apostolic Life is not a static document, but a genuine identity card that evolves with the Association. The aim of the working group is precisely to keep it ever relevant and vibrant, giving shape and response to the many requests received over the last eight years by the World Executive Secretariat.
All the hard work that accompanied the Congress, the joy, the dreams and the hopes were brought to the closing Mass presided over by the Rector Major. The symbolism that accompanied the celebration was very rich, from the hymns to the offertory. During the offertory, in addition to the bread and wine, some building materials were also brought to the altar, notably a trowel and some bricks. Both represented the desire and determination of the Congress participants to build an Association that is a place of genuine welcome, care and integral growth, so that every young person, instead of ending up on the streets, may find a HOME within the Salesian Family.
Next, a lamp and some salt were brought forward to bear witness to how, enriched by the light of the Spirit, the Lord makes us aware that we have been chosen, called and sent together on mission.
At the end of Mass, Fr Attard invited all the participants to perform one final gesture. Each person present thus received a piece of a jigsaw puzzle which is not merely a memento, but a task: to bring a fragment of this plan of God that is the Association into their own contexts, knowing that it finds its full meaning only in the coming together of many small, diverse and unique fragments that are united. For, as Don Bosco taught: three pieces of string alone break, but combined they are strong and no one can break them!
Daniela Pettinao
