Statement and Resolutions of the Congress

 

In the 150^th year of the foundation of our Congregation, we, the 95 Salesian Brothers and 23 Salesian Priests (Provincials, Rectors of Pre-novitiates, Vocation Promoters, Novice Masters, Director of Vidyaniketan, Kalyani) from the 11 Provinces of South Asia region, gathered together at the Citadel - Chennai, India in fraternal union for the 6^th Salesian Brothers’ Congress of South Asia and inspired by Don Bosco’s motto da mihi animas cetera tolle, studied the theme ‘The Salesian Brother for a new world according to Don Bosco’s Charism’.

 

The presence of Br Claudio Marangio, the first Brother elected as the Economer General, who represented the Rector Major and Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Councillor of South Asia, added greater significance to this event.

 

The 6^th Congress was specifically marked by an atmosphere of prayer, joy and optimism that was further augmented through the active presence, initiative and leadership of the younger generation of Brothers. The Congress was well planned and executed with the active support of the host Province in a true spirit of Brotherhood. The main theme was elucidated through the following input sessions:

1. The Salesian Brother and the Challenges due to Faith and Spiritual Crisis in the New World
2. The Salesian Brother and the Socio-economic Challenges of the New World
3. The Salesian Brother and the Challenges of the New Media Information and Technology

 

Having spent time together, as a group and as individuals, in studying the theme and other relevant issues concerning the life, mission and vocation of the Brothers, we, the Salesian Brothers of the South Asia region hereby set before ourselves the following goals:

1. To take personal responsibility for our own growth and vocation.
2. Create awareness for a greater appreciation of the vocation of the Salesian Brother.
3. To be more conscious ourselves and also create awareness among the young of the social evils that threaten to create imbalance in the society and cause inequality.
4. Utilise responsibly, the great potential of media and information technology, for our own growth and the development of those with and for whom we work.

 

To achieve these goals, we resolve to carry out the following:

Individual level:

1. Participate in at least one personal growth programme, before the next Congress, that will enhance our optimism and joy in our vocation.
2. Enrich the faith of the youth through involvement in catechetical and faith formation activities and in the process enhance visibility of the Salesian Brother.
3. Moving beyond our structured life and institutions, become more aware and sensitive to the realities of injustice, corruption and religious fundamentalism.
4. Involve proactively in the lives of the marginalised by boldly networking and collaborating with GOs and NGOs.
5. Become media-savvy ...

• to be a well-informed person,
• to utilise media and information for the mission
• to enlighten young people of the possibilities and dangers of Mass media.

 

Province level:

1. Ensure that the vocation ministry team has a Brother involved in it for greater visibility especially during vocation promotion and follow up.
2. By an adequate formation, training and support, the Province will facilitate social consciousness through involvement in contextual issues.
3. Qualify Salesian Brothers, with necessary aptitude, in the various fields of apostolate, particularly, in media and technology.

 

Zonal/Regional level:

1. Organise at the zonal level a programme for personal formation at least once before the next Congress.
2. Act upon the findings of the Committee set up to evaluate the future course of action regarding

• the post-novitiate formation at Kalyani and
• the specific formation of the Salesian Brothers at Shillong.

 

The Provincial delegate/Chairperson of the national commission of the Brothers, will ensure that these resolutions are verified and evaluated during the annual meeting of the Brothers.

 

Conclusion

May our Father and founder, Don Bosco who so marvellously responded to the needs of the his times and our saintly model Bl. Artemide Zatti who brought Salesian pedagogy to bear on a new field of apostolate, inspire us to become in the Congregation, a new presence in the modern world. May Our Lady Help of Christians, who enables every apostle to be a new incarnation in the world, accompany us in our journey towards the fulfilment of our commitment.

 

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