【慈幼通訊社
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2014
年
07
月
29
日羅馬慈幼總部訊】
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當普世在今天紀念（第一次）世界大戰展開時，我們不應忘記慈幼神修對我們的教導。一百年前，在慈幼會準備慶祝會祖鮑思高神父百歲誕辰之際，世界各地已展開這場由1914年持續至1918年，稱為第一次世界大戰的戰事。當時的總會長歐培拉神父，於1915年1月29日向慈幼會士致函，提醒他們要團結一致，在祈禱中信賴天主。他促請各院長及省會長，與「慈幼士兵」保持緊密聯繫。
這封歐培拉神父書寫的信函，有雙重目的：為紀念聖母進教之佑瞻禮成立及可敬者鮑思高神父誕辰一百周年，並為籌備於1916年舉行的第十二屆全會代表大會。
歐培拉神父在信中強調戰事的影響：「我們都希望這新的一年 ─ 標誌著我們敬愛修會雙重紀念的日子：鮑思高神父誕辰及聖母進教之佑瞻禮成立一百周年 ─ 將能帶來幸福與喜樂，因為我們正以極大的虔敬，籌備這些你們早已知悉的活動。
然而不幸的是，正如你們知道，我們需要把公開敬禮活動延期，以配合目前哀愁的狀況，並保持團結，在祈禱與補贖中信賴天主，懇求賜下和平予這些飽受戰事蹂躪的國家，他們的遭遇實在史所未見。天主的皮鞭隨著世界的無情走向而出現，而我們的修會將不免要承受這些後果。
親愛的朋友，你們想想那些在戰火蹂躪國家中興起的會院，當地青年不是被迫離開，便是要困在悲慘的生活中。無數的會士被徵召入伍，他們很多已為國捐軀，倖存的也要活在生命受威脅的危機中。在中立地區的會院及會士，終日活在惶恐之中。想想那些眾多的協進慈幼會士，他們慷慨付出時間，支持我們的愛德工作，但因交通不便而未能親身協助我們，有的更被迫支援戰事的急需。想想那些需要完全依靠恩人支持的事業，你們便能體會我和其他總部長上的顧慮……。」
除了歐培拉神父的書信外，還有由Leonardo Tullini神父於2007年所寫，題為「世界大戰中的慈幼會士身份及戰事經歷」的博士論文。這篇文章分析了慈幼神修的特質，以及戰事對修會及我們神修的影響。
Tullini神父論及「戰事背景中的慈幼神修泉源」時表示：「我們的研究顯示，大部份被徵召入伍的慈幼會士，都作出了互動積極的回應（不只是形式的回應）。」他們和身邊的人，都充滿著基督徒望德的正面思想（……）。歐培拉神父促請各院長及省會長，密切關注那些離開會院，加入軍隊會士的情況，妥善照料他們……跟進他們的行蹤，留意他們因執行不同職務而遷居到不同的地方，使被召入伍的會士，都能感受到我們的支持與照料。」
100 years ago: the Great War and Salesian Spirituality
(ANS - RMG –Roma, 29 July 2014) – Today, when the world remembers the beginning of the great war, we should not forget what our Salesian history tells us. A hundred years ago, just when Salesians were preparing to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the world was engaged in the so-called Great war or World War I, which took place between 1914 and 1918. The then Rector Major, Don Albera, wrote a letter on 29 January 1915, asking the Salesians to remain united, trusting in prayer. He urged Rectors and Provincials to maintain close contact with the "Salesian soldiers."
The letter was written by Don Albera with a two-fold purpose: to commemorate the centenary of the feast of Mary Help of Christians and that of the birth of the Venerable Don Bosco, and to prepare for the twelfth General Chapter which was to take place in 1916.
In the letter Don Albera highlights the effects of the war: "We all hoped that the year just now begun – which marks two memorable dates for our beloved Congregation: the Centenary of the birth of Don Bosco and of the institution of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians - would bring happiness and joy as we prepare with great solemnity for the programmes you already know.
But unfortunately, as you know, we have to postpone the external solemnity, to be content in the present sad situation (the World War I, 1914-1918) to remain closely united and to trust in prayer and expiation to implore peace in the nations now engaged in a raging war the like of which has not been seen in history. The Scourge of God follows its relentless course, and our Pious Society will suffer the inevitable consequences.
Think, dear friends, of our many houses that flourished in the countries where war now rages, and where the young people have had to leave or find themselves reduced to a miserable way of life. Numerous confreres have been called to the army. Many have already sacrificed their lives for their country. Others are in danger of the same fate if the occasion should arise. In places that are neutral we have houses and confreres that are paralyzed by fear. Think of the large number of Cooperators who support our charities generously with their time, but cannot now come to our aid, because of the difficulty of communication, but especially because they are forced to lavish their help on other more urgent needs caused by war. Think of the various missions that depend entirely on the help that came from our benefactors, and then maybe you can form some idea of my present state of mind and that of the other major superiors ... "
As well as Don Albera’s letter, there is also the doctoral thesis of Fr Leonardo Tullini (2007), entitled "Salesian identity and experience of war in the Great War." In it there is an analysis of the characteristics of Salesian spirituality and how the war marked the congregation and our spirituality.
Speaking of "The resources of Salesian spirituality in the context of war," Fr Tullini, says: "Our research has shown that the vast majority of the Salesians called to arms were able to respond proactively and constructively (not just to react defensively). The positive thinking of Christian hope prevailed in them and in the people around them(...). Don Albera urged Rectors and Provincials to pay close attention to the confreres who had left their homes and answered the call to arms, and to look after them well… to follow their movements and changes of address due to various services to which they are called, so that our confreres in the army feel supported and cared for."
Don Albera’s letter can be found at sdb.org.