MESSAGE TO THE GENERAL CHAPTER OF THE SALESIANS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Holy Father addressed to the Sons of Don Bosco, who are holding their 25th General Chapter in Rome on the theme: "The Salesian community today."

The Pope writes to the Salesians, who have come to Rome from all parts of the world, saying: "You are well aware that you must renew your methods and means of work in order for your 'Salesian' identity to emerge in the current changing social conditions. These require, among other things, an openness to the contributions of lay helpers with whom to share the spirit and charisma which are the heritage of Don Bosco."

"Appropriately, then, the General Chapter intends courageously to propose 'tending towards sanctity' as the principle response to the challenges of the modern world. It is not so much a question of undertaking new activities and initiatives, but of living and witnessing the Gospel without compromise in such a way as to stimulate the young people you meet to sanctity. Salesians of the third millennium, like St. John Bosco, be passionate teachers and guides, saints and formators of saints."

John Paul II affirmed that "in order to proceed with a single educational and pastoral project, all communities must be united by a solid family spirit. ... Where does the secret of the union of hearts and of apostolic activity lie, if not in faithfulness to the charism? Keep, then, your eyes fixed on Don Bosco. He lived entirely in God and recommended that communities unite around the Eucharist."

"Your lives progress surrounded by children, just as Don Bosco wanted. ... Continue to open the doors of your institutions, especially to poor children, that they may feel 'at home,' and enjoy your charitable activity and the testimony of your poverty. ... Help them to be, in their turn, apostles to their friends and peers."

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